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Turmeric is likely safe for most people, but it should be avoided during chemotherapy, radiation or blood-thinning therapies.

See our Nutritional supplements Chart for information on which supplements help or hurt.

Help or Harm?

Nutritional supplements and cancer treatment often don't mix

Because of this, the American Institute for Cancer Research does not recommend the use of supplements to protect against cancer. But if you do take a nutritional supplement or herbal product, the goal is to do no harm: Avoid supplements that may interfere with treatment, cause side effects that could hinder adequate nutrition, or cause significant discomfort or damage to your body.

Acai berry is another supplement that's likely safe for most people, but should be avoided during chemotherapy and radiation therapy because of its antioxidant properties.

The following is a list of common nutritional supplements and herbal products used for the treatment of cancer or associated side effects. Use it to start a conversation with your health care team about what is best for you during your treatment.

A general multivitamin with minerals containing no more than 200% to 300% of the Daily Reference Intake may be beneficial, but it is important to know manufacturers of nutritional supplements are not obligated to follow the strict government regulations written for drug manufacturers. This means the content, strength and purity of a supplement may vary among brands and even different batches of the same brand. To ensure the supplement you are taking contains the ingredients listed and does not contain harmful levels of contaminants, look for the U.S. Pharmacopeia, Consumer Lab.com or NSF international seal of approval.

The bottom line is that a healthy, well-balanced diet including lots of plant-based foods-such as whole grains, fruits and vegetables-is most strongly and consistently associated with cancer reduction and lower recurrence rates. The benefi cial effects of the vitamins and minerals contained in these foods just can't be matched with an isolated nutritional supplement or herbal product.

Please see our Nutritional supplements Chart for information on which supplements help or hurt.

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This article first appeared in the Winter, 2012 issue of Thrive.
Print Thrive Magazine; Winter, 2012