Nutritional Supplements during Radiation

Nutritional Supplements during Radiation

Some nutritional supplements can impact how well radiation works in treating cancer. You should

always check with your healthcare provider before taking any supplements during radiation.

It is also essential for them to know what you are taking. When asked to list your medications,

include all vitamins, supplements, and over-the-counter medications. Examples of supplements

include vitamins, minerals, herbs, and powder additives to drinks or meals.

These are essential points to know about nutritional supplements:

- Most supplements do not need to be approved by the FDA like medications

- Supplements are not regulated, meaning they may not have what the label says they do

- “Natural” does not always mean safe

- Some supplements can block other medications or affect your organs if taken in excess

In general, supplements containing “antioxidants” can change how well radiation works.

Common antioxidants include vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, beta-carotene, and selenium. In

normal amounts in our diet, these may not have enough impact, but when taken in

excess, sometimes these can interfere with your treatment. While some of these can help

protect your normal body, it can also protect the cancer cells.

It is okay to take a common over-the-counter multivitamin during radiation.

However, these vitamins and supplements should be avoided in doses greater than what is in

common multivitamins:

Resources for facts about supplements

CPRCC Blog Post Page