Should Dietary Supplements be taken during Chemotherapy?Many patients consider taking vitamins, herbal products, or dietary supplements during chemotherapy to boost energy or immunity, but it is important to understand that “natural” does not always mean safe. Some supplements, especially high-dose antioxidants like vitamins A, C, and E, may interfere with chemotherapy by protecting cancer cells from treatment-induced oxidative damage. Herbal products such as turmeric, green tea extracts, ginseng, or St. John’s Wort can alter how chemotherapy drugs are absorbed and metabolized, increasing the risk of side effects or reducing the effectiveness of treatment. Because supplements are not strictly regulated, their contents and dosages can vary, making their impact unpredictable. For these reasons, major organizations such as the American Cancer Society recommend avoiding most supplements during chemotherapy unless prescribed by a doctor.
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