Can taking dietary supplements during chemotherapy do more harm than good?
https://www.facingourrisk.org/XRAY/dietary-supplements-may-be-harmful-during-chemotherapy
Full article: https://ascopubs.org/doi/abs/10.1200/JCO.19.01203
It's common for people to take dietary supplements after being diagnosed with cancer; however, they may reduce how well chemotherapy works. A new study suggests that some dietary supplements may cause more harm than benefit for breast cancer patients who are undergoing chemotherapy. (3/4/20)
Questions To Ask Your Health Care Provider
- Should I consider taking vitamins or other dietary supplements before or during chemotherapy?
- Should I consider taking vitamins after finishing chemotherapy?
- My taste, appetite, or ability to eat have changed due to side effects from my treatment. How can I make sure that I am getting all the nutrients?
- How do I know if my diet is balanced?
- Can you refer me to a nutritionist?
Open Clinical Trials
The following are studies focused on nutrition for people diagnosed with breast cancer.
- NCT05056077: Tools To Be Fit: Tools to Improve Nutrition and Physical Activity for Cancer Survivors. This study looks at which tools work best for helping cancer survivors improve their diet and exercise.
- NCT05259410: Time-Restricted Eating During Chemotherapy for Breast Cancer. This study looks at whether intermittent fasting during treatment improves treatment-related outcomes, patient-related outcomes and limit treatment-related weight gain.
- NCT04365569 Evaluating the Effectiveness of an Individualized Nutrition and Physical Activity Counseling Program. This pilot study looks at whether a tailored in-person and telephone-based nutrition and exercise counseling program help breast cancer patients improve weight and fitness and thus improve cancer outcomes.
- NCT03824145: Every Day Counts: A Lifestyle Program for Women With Metastatic Breast Cancer (EDC). This study examines the diet and activity, body composition, blood and quality of life in metastatic breast cancer patients from Milwaukee and Chicago.
- NCT05984888: Pilot Study of a MIND Diet Intervention in Women Undergoing Active Treatment for Breast Cancer. The MIND diet is high in anti-inflammatory nutrients and limits the intake of brain-unhealthy foods (i.e., foods high in fat, red meat, and sweets), which may help reduce the negative effects of cancer treatments on memory and thinking. This study will investigate whether the MIND diet is protective of cognitive function in women with invasive breast cancer starting systemic therapies.
Visit our Featured Research Page and Research Search and Enroll Tool to find additional studies enrolling people with or at high risk for cancer.
About FORCE
FORCE is a national nonprofit organization, established in 1999. Our mission is to improve the lives of individuals and families affected by adult hereditary cancers.