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Antioxidants and Cancer Treatments
What are antioxidants?
Antioxidants are substances that may help protect our cells from damage. Antioxidants include vitamin C,
vitamin E, beta-carotene and the mineral selenium.
How do antioxidants work?
Free oxygen radicals are created when your body produces oxygen to provide energy. These free oxygen
radicals can cause damage to your cells that may result in cancer cells being formed. Antioxidants are
thought to fight these free radicals in our bodies and may protect all of the cells in your body from
damage.
If I am receiving radiation therapy or chemotherapy will taking extra antioxidants help me fight the cancer?
NO- it is not recommended that you take extra antioxidants during treatment and for a week after all your treatment is over.
One of the ways chemotherapy and radiation therapy works is by causing more damage to the free radicals in the cancer cells than in your healthy cells. If you take large amounts of antioxidants when you are receiving treatment then you may protect the cancer cells and not allow the treatment to work to its full effect.
Where are antioxidants found?
Antioxidants can be found in many foods. By eating a well balanced diet during treatment your body is
getting the right amount of antioxidants. Antioxidant supplements can be found in pill form but taking
antioxidant supplements in addition to your balanced diet is not recommended when you are receiving
radiation therapy or chemotherapy.
Vitamins are found in many fruits and vegetables. Some examples are:
- Vitamin C: Broccoli, cantaloupe, citrus fruits and juices, cranberry juice, kiwi, mango, papaya, red peppers, strawberries.
- Vitamin E: Brown rice, green leafy vegetables, nuts and seeds, whole wheat, wheat germ and vegetable oils.
- Beta-carotene: Apricots, broccoli, carrots, cantaloupe, papaya, sweet potatoes and winter squash.
- Selenium (mineral): Brazil nuts, liver, kidneys, sea food and whole grains.
Can I carry on taking my multivitamin pill when I am on radiation therapy or chemotherapy?
- YES- Taking a single multi vitamin pill a day will not exceed the daily recommended doses of vitamin C, vitamin E and selenium.
For children with cancer please check with your health care provider.
RECOMMENDATIONS
- Do not take any antioxidant supplements when you are receiving radiation therapy or chemotherapy and for a week after your treatments have finished.
- Eat a well balanced diet. If you are having problems with your diet please ask to see a dietitian.
- If you have any questions please talk with a member of your health care team.
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