SUPPLEMENTS
**If you are actively undergoing treatment for cancer, I do not recommend taking any supplements without first discussing this with your oncologist**
Donald Abrams, M.D. (UCSF, Integrative Oncologist) reviewing a patients' supplements
- MSKCC (About Herbs)- This fantastic site is continuously updated with information on hundreds of supplements.
- The American Cancer Society (Supplement information)- Nice collection of information on supplements commonly used in cancer patients (American Cancer Society)
- Oregon State University- Excellent Reviews on Supplements and Phytonutrients in Cancer
- The Natural Standard (Evidence-based information on most supplements, including information on supplement/medication interactions)
- Interactionsguide.com (Another great compendium reference on supplement/drug interactions.)
Learn about Soy, Turmeric, Green & White Tea, & Other Phytonutrients
Are Antioxidant Supplements Safe to Take During Chemotherapy or Radiation Therapy?
- Dietary Supplements and Cancer Treatment: A Risky Mixture
- Use of Antioxidants During Chemotherapy and Radiotherapy Should Be Avoided
- Should Supplemental Antioxidant Administration Be Avoided During Chemotherapy and Radiation Therapy?
- Dietary Supplements: How To Know What Is Safe
- "What We Know & Don't Know About Antioxidants & Cancer" (Cancerwise: The M.D. Anderson Cancer Center's blog)
Learn why VITAMIN D is so important in cancer prevention
Fish Oil & Omega-3 Fatty Acids
- Consider taking supplemental omega-3 fatty acids, especially if you do not consume enough fish in your diet. Learn more about omega-3 fatty acid supplements here.
- Do you take fish-oil supplements? Find out how safe your supplement is here.
Nordic Naturals (omega-3 fatty acid supplements)
Sleep Supplements
- Valerian (an herbal sedative): Take one to two capsules of a product standardized to 1 percent valerenic acid a half hour before bedtime.
- Melatonin (a neurotransmitter that regulates the wake/sleep cycle and other daily biorhythms): Try sublingual tablets (to be placed under the tongue and allowed to dissolve); take 2.5 mg at bedtime as an occasional dose, making sure that your bedroom is completely dark.
Medicinal Mushrooms
Mushrooms have been reported to have a variety of medicinal properties that may help to stimulate the immune system and fight off the development, recurrence or growth of cancer.
- Fungi Perfecti (Link)- great reference which shows the medicinal properties of various mushrooms and answers to frequently asked questions
Birkdale Medicinals (Mushroom and other supplements)
Fungi Perfecti (mushroom supplements)
Milk Thistle
- Milk thistle may help to reduce liver inflammation in patients undergoing chemotherapy (Read More Here)
Birkdale Medicinals (Mushroom and other supplements)
**Website Disclaimer: If you are actively undergoing treatment for cancer, I do not recommend taking any supplements without first discussing this with your oncologist. This site is completely free of any financial bias. We do not accept any support for any product recommendations. The site is funded entirely as a sole venture by Brian D. Lawenda, M.D. for educational purposes.**
