Chemotherapy and radiation are cancer treatments with side effects that can affect your nutrition status and your ability to recover and heal properly. The effectiveness of prescribing vitamins to cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy or radiation is a controversial topic, according to the American Cancer Society (ACS). However, some research has shown that vitamin supplementation can provide some benefits.
Vitamin E
Mucositis is a painful side effect of chemotherapy and radiation that causes inflammation of the mouth and can affect nutrition and recovery by interfering with your ability to eat. The Bastyr Center for Natural Health says mucositis is caused by free radical damage and that vitamin E can help because it is an antioxidant, a substance known to prevent and repair damage caused by free radicals. According to the ACS, vitamin E may also increase the effectiveness of chemotherapy drugs and reduce negative treatment side effects. Vitamin E is naturally found in vegetable oils, whole grains, seeds and nuts.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin and antioxidant. According to the ACS, vitamin C may reduce the toxic effects of chemotherapy drugs. An article published in 2001 in the "American Journal of Gastroenterology" by researchers at Loyola University Medical Center also found that vitamin C and E benefited patients undergoing radiation for prostate and gynecological cancers. Patients in the study who took vitamin C and E supplements were able to reduce symptoms of rectal bleeding, diarrhea and fecal urgency. Foods rich in vitamin C include citrus fruits, bell peppers, berries, tomatoes, broccoli and green leafy vegetables.
B Vitamins
Cancer and certain drugs used to treat cancer can suppress the immune system, according to the National Cancer Institute. A suppressed immune system decreases the body's ability to fight infections. The ACS says that a deficiency in B vitamins can also weaken the immune system, and that therefore, people with cancer may benefit from high-dose supplements to strengthen immunity. B vitamins are naturally available in a variety of foods including whole grains, meat, seafood, poultry, beans, nuts, green leafy vegetables, citrus fruits, eggs and milk and milk products.
References
- American Cancer Society: Herbs, vitamins and minerals
- "American Journal of Gastroenterology"; Successful and sustained treatment of chronic radiation proctitis with antioxidant vitamins E and C; M. Kennedy, et al.; April 2001
- Bastyr Center for Natural Health: Vitamin E Prevents Painful Radiation Therapy Side Effect
- Medline Plus: Vitamins
- National Cancer Institute: Immunosuppression
