cancer Patients: Common Supplements May Hinder Colon Cancer Treatment, Experts Warn
New York, NY – Individuals undergoing treatment for colon cancer should exercise extreme caution with dietary supplements, as several popular options can considerably interfere with the effectiveness of chemotherapy and radiation, according to oncologists. A growing body of evidence highlights potential risks associated with vitamins, herbal remedies, and extracts, prompting a strong recommendation for open communication with cancer care teams.
While many turn to supplements hoping to bolster their health during cancer treatment, certain ingredients can actively work against the therapies designed to fight the disease. the concern centers around how these supplements interact with cancer treatments, potentially reducing their efficacy or increasing the risk of complications.
Supplements to Avoid or Discuss with Your Doctor:
Several supplements have been identified as potentially problematic for colon cancer patients.
* St. John’s Wort & Ginkgo Biloba: These are known to interfere with the metabolism of chemotherapy medications,potentially reducing their effectiveness.
* Turmeric: Similar to St. John’s Wort and Ginkgo biloba, turmeric can disrupt the way chemotherapy drugs are processed by the body.
* Garlic: While often touted for heart health, garlic supplements can thin the blood, increasing bleeding risk – a serious concern for patients with low platelet counts or those undergoing surgery. It also possesses antioxidant properties that may interfere with chemotherapy and radiation.
* Antioxidant Supplements (Vitamins A, C, & E, Green Tea Extract): high doses of these antioxidants may protect cancer cells from the damaging effects of chemotherapy and radiation, hindering treatment success. Vitamin C,above 500 to 1,000 milligrams (mg) per day,can cause digestive issues alongside potentially reducing oxidative stress. Vitamin E may increase bleeding risk, and high amounts of vitamin A or beta-carotene have been linked to increased cancer risk in smokers.
* Folic Acid: Supplementation with folic acid has been linked to severe side effects in patients taking capecitabine (Xeloda). however, consuming folate-rich foods like leafy greens does not carry the same risk.
The Role of Polyphenols & CYP-450 Enzyme System:
Supplements containing high levels of polyphenols, such as green tea extract, curcumin, and grape-seed extract, may contribute to chemoresistance. Moreover, several supplements – including garlic – can reduce the effectiveness of colon cancer treatments that rely on the CYP-450 enzyme system to metabolize drugs.
“Supplements rich in polyphenols might create resistance to chemotherapy,” explains Eldredge. Rich adds that garlic’s antioxidant properties can also reduce the ability of chemotherapy and radiation to kill cancer cells.
Crucial Communication with Your Care Team:
experts emphasize the critical importance of transparency with your oncology team.
“Always talk with your cancer care team before adding or stopping any supplement while receiving colon cancer treatment,” the report stresses.Self-treating with supplements without medical guidance could compromise treatment outcomes and potentially endanger patient health.
Sources: (based on the provided text’s citations)
* [16] – Regarding Vitamin C side effects.
* [17] – Regarding Vitamin E and Vitamin A/Beta-Carotene risks.
* [18] – Supporting Vitamin A/Beta-carotene risks.
* [19] – Regarding Garlic’s antioxidant properties interfering with treatment.
* [20] – Regarding Garlic and the CYP-450 enzyme system.
* [21] – Regarding Polyphenols in Green Tea Extract.
