| |
|
| |
|
|
Antioxidant Vitamin/Mineral Supplements
Food is the best source of vitamins and minerals! As a rule, dietary supplements or pills should never replace whole foods. There are many studies showing a lower cancer risk among those eating diets high in fruits and vegetables. Fruits and vegetables are naturally high in many vitamins and minerals, so people often think that it is the vitamin that is the protective or "good" compound in these foods. However, there is no evidence that any nutritional supplements can offer the same benefits of a diet high in vegetables and fruits. What are antioxidants? Antioxidants (such as vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E and selenium) protect cells from free radical damage, or oxidation. Oxidation is a normal part of body functioning but researchers believe that too much oxidation can cause damage to the cells and lead to cancer. Exposure to toxic chemicals or the damage of the sun can also cause oxidation. Many healthy people use antioxidants to protect against cancer. Some cancer patients use antioxidants in the belief that the supplements will slow cancer progression or reduce the side effects of cancer treatment. However, scientists have not yet determined whether antioxidants truly prevent or slow the disease. Why not use vitamin pills while under treatment? Radiation therapy and some chemotherapy drugs work by using the oxidative damage to destroy cancer cells. Taking large doses of antioxidant supplements during these treatments may actually hinder their cancer-fighting effects. Because of this, nutrition experts recommend that patients discontinue taking high doses of the antioxidant vitamins during their treatments. If you want to take a multiple vitamin/mineral pill, make certain that it contains no more than 100% of the dietary value for all nutrients and does not contain extra amounts of the antioxidant vitamins. What is the current recommendation? Until more answers are available, it is advisable for patients to avoid taking vitamin pills containing high amounts of vitamins, A, C, E or selenium while undergoing radiation or chemotherapies. Cancer survivors should be especially cautious of "treatments" that suggest high doses of single nutrients or drastically changing eating patterns. Do not assume that high dose supplements are safe because they are labeled as "natural". Many questions still remain about the effects of high dose supplements and their interactions with treatments.
|
