Effective food supplements

Multinutrient complex

In the first place, it is important to fix any shortages in vitamins and minerals (so-called micronutrients). Most people with cancer will be deficient in a variety of nutrients and the treatment robs the body of even more important vitamins and minerals, especially B vitamins, vitamin C, vitamin D, vitamin K, zinc, selenium, and magnesium (Dreizen S, 1990; Fakih MG, 2009). It is therefore advisable to take a good multinutrient complex.

Vitamin D

Vitamin D is produced in your skin when it is exposed to ultraviolet light, but most people don’t spend enough time in the sun (without UV filters) to make enough of it. Vitamin D regulates various phys- ical functions and the activity of hundreds of genes. It is one of the most important vitamins for a well-functioning immune system. A lack of vitamin D means a worse prognosis for all forms of cancer.

Vitamin C

Extra vitamin C is no bad thing, either. A lack of vitamin C is very common in people with cancer, and low levels of vitamin C in the blood lower your chances of survival. Stress, radiotherapy, and chemo- therapy deplete vitamin C (Mayland CR, 2005; Carr AC, 2018).

Vitamin K

Vitamin K is often missing from multinutrients. You should therefore check that your complex includes it. If it doesn’t, take it separately, ideally as vitamin K2 (MK-7 and MK-4) or a combination of vitamin K1 and K2. Vitamin K2 is increasingly being added to vitamin D supplements, because the two vitamins work together and both are extremely important for the bones and the heart. They protect the bones and the heart against the damaging effects of chemotherapy. For stronger therapeutic effects, it may sometimes be better to take them separately, in order to ensure that the quantities are properly matched to your individual needs.

Omega-3 fatty acids

The omega-3 fatty acids (ALA, EPA and DHA) are known as powerful anti-inflammatories, but they are also crucial for healthy blood clotting, a balanced immune system, proper wound healing, proper nerve conduction and a well-functioning brain, healthy genes, proper hormone balance, and for destroying cancer cells.

References

1. Carr AC, Cook J. Intravenous Vitamin C for Cancer Therapy - Identifying the Current Gaps in Our Knowledge. Front Physiol. 2018 Aug 23;9:1182. doi: 10.3389/fphys.2018.01182. PMID: 30190680; PMCID: PMC6115501.
2. Dreizen S, McCredie KB, Keating MJ, et al. Nutritional deficiencies in patients receiving cancer chemotherapy. Postgrad Med. 1990 Jan;87(1):163-7, 170. doi: 10.1080/00325481.1990.11704531. PMID: 2296564.
3. Fakih MG, Trump DL, Johnson CS, et al. Chemotherapy is linked to severe vitamin D deficiency in patients with colorectal cancer. Int J Colorectal Dis. 2009 Feb;24(2):219-24. doi: 10.1007/s00384-008-0593-y. Epub 2008 Oct 2. PMID: 18830610; PMCID: PMC2715947.
4. Mayland CR, Bennett MI, AllanK. Vitamin C deficiency in cancer patients. Palliat Med. 2005 Jan;19(1):17-20. doi: 10.1191/0269216305pm970oa. PMID: 15690864.