According to MedlinePlus, a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine, lung cancer is one of the most common cancers in the world. In addition, the University of Maryland Medical Center, or UMMC, website notes that lung cancer claims 160,000 lives annually in the United States. Smoking is the main cause of lung cancer cases in the United States, although a family history of lung cancer and exposure to environmental pollutants, such as asbestos, are also risk factors. Some supplements may help to lower the risk of developing lung cancer and may support conventional cancer treatment. However, they should never be relied on to treat the cancer itself.
Melatonin
The UMMC website notes that high doses of melatonin may be beneficial in lung cancer. Results from a study published in August 2003 in the "Journal of Pineal Research" show that tumor regression and five-year survival results were greater in lung cancer patients who received a combination of chemotherapy and melatonin than those treated with chemotherapy alone. Melatonin is a hormone secreted by the pineal gland and is responsible for regulating sleep-wake cycles. A synthetic version is also available in pill form. MedlinePlus notes that short-term use of melatonin supplements is likely safe, but side effects may include headache, dizziness and irritability.
Vitamin B6 and Methionine
According to a study published in June 2010 in the "Journal of the American Medical Association," a combination of vitamin B6 and the amino acid, methionine, may reduce the risk of lung cancer. Vitamin B6 is a water-soluble vitamin found in a host of foods including chicken, fortified cereals, potatoes and spinach. Methionine is one of nine essential amino acids needed by the body and is found in foods, such as eggs, yogurt, soybeans and spinach. Both vitamin B6 and methionine are also available as dietary supplements.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
The UMMC website notes that omega-3 fatty acids may help to boost immunity and lower inflammation and may help to re-balance nutritional deficiencies in lung cancer patients. Omega-3 fatty acids are found in oily fish, such as herring, salmon, trout and tuna. They are also found in fish oil supplements. According to MedlinePlus, fish oil supplements are likely safe when taken in low doses. However, they may cause side effects including heartburn, nosebleeds and bad breath.
References
- MedlinePlus: Lung Cancer
- UMMC: Lung Cancer
- PubMed: Five years Survival in Metastatic Non-Small Cell Lung cancer Patients Treated with Chemotherapy Alone or Chemotherapy and Melatonin: A Randomized Trial
- MedlinePlus: Melatonin
- PubMed: Serum B Vitamin Levels and Risk of Lung Cancer
- Office of Dietary Supplements: Vitamin B6
