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CANCER & TREATMENTS FOR CANCER CENTER PATIENTS PREVENTION & RISK ASSESSMENT CLINICAL TRIALS & RESEARCH LIVING WITH CANCER | |
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Information and Resources from the U-M Comprehensive Cancer Center
Help or Harm?
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Nutritional Supplement |
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Side Effects |
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Is It Safe Otherwise? |
| Essiac | Antioxidant, Immune enhancing, Stimulate secretion of GI motility. | Increased stool, flu-like symptoms, slight headaches, swollen glands. | It should be avoided with certain chemotherapy agents and with radiation therapy. Data has shown stimulation of breast cancer cells. There are multiple potential interactions with chemotherapy due to its effects on the liver metabolism of some of these agents. | Not recommended due to lack of evidence to support claims. |
| Hydrogen peroxide therapy (oxygen therapy) | Given orally, intravenously or by colonic irrigation. | Lethal gas embolism, tear in the bowel. | Alone or in conjunction with any other therapy. | Not recommended due to potential harm. |
| Curcumin (Turmeric) |
Anti-inflammatory, stimulated bile production. | Nausea or diarrhea but generally well tolerated. | It should be avoided during chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Curcumin has some estrogenic properties and should be avoided in breast cancer patients. Curcumin has shown to decrease platelet function, so it should be avoided by those on blood-thinning therapies. | Likely safe. |
| Juice Plus | Antioxidant and immune enhancing properties. | GI distress and hive-like rash. | Due to antioxidant properties, it should be avoided with certain chemotherapy agents and with radiation therapy. | Likely safe. |
| Ashwagandha | Anti-inflammatory and immune enhancing effects. | GI upset, diarrhea, vomiting, overactive thyroid. | Take with caution with barbiturates. Due to potential antioxidant properties, it should be avoided with certain chemotherapy agents and with radiation therapy. | Likely safe short-term. |
| Noni | Antioxidant effects. | Liver toxicity, high blood potassium levels. | Due to antioxidant properties, it should be avoided with certain chemotherapy agents and with radiation therapy. | Likely unsafe. |
| Acai berry | Antioxidant properties. | None reported. | Due to antioxidant properties, it should be avoided with certain chemotherapy agents and with radiation therapy. | Likely safe. |
| Fish oil/ Omega-3 Fatty Acids |
Anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antithrombotic effects. | Halitosis, heartburn, dyspepsia, nausea, loose stools, and rash. | Do not take during antiplatelet, antihypertensive and anticoagulant therapies. Due to antioxidant properties, it should be avoided with certain chemotherapy agents and during radiation therapy. | 3 gm. per day or less is likely safe. |
You can also print our Nutritional supplements Chart.
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To make an appointment for nutritional counseling or medication management, call 877-907-0859.
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University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center
1500 East Medical Center Drive
Ann Arbor, MI 48109
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