Melanoma is a severe, and life-threatening type of skin cancer that is characterized by tumors produced in the cells of the deep layers of the skin. Due to the seriousness of melanoma, supplements alone are not recommended to fight it off. They can, however, play a supporting role in maximizing your quality of life. Also, certain supplements can interact negatively with medications, and can be toxic in high doses, so it is important to consult your health-care practitioner before taking any new supplement.
Vitamins and Minerals
All nutrients are required in balance for good health, and many vitamins and minerals work synergistically, which means that they work best when taken together. As such, the Canadian School of Natural Nutrition, or CSNN, recommends taking a multivitamin and mineral complex supplement daily. Vitamin C is a powerful anticancer agent and helps to boost immunity, and Phyllis Balch recommends in her book "Prescription for Nutritional Healing" taking an additional 5,000 to 10,000 mg of vitamin C daily in divided doses. For maximum absorbability, choose a vitamin C supplement that also contains bioflavonoids; and if you notice loose bowels, reduce your dosage.
Antioxidants
Antioxidants are important to fight off free radicals, which can impair the immune system and damage bodily cells. Balch says that free radicals may play a role in the development and spread of cancerous cells. Due to the importance of antioxidants, CSNN recommends also taking a mixed antioxidant formula daily and says to choose one that contains a combination of vitamins as well as Coenzyme Q10, selenium, glutathione and alpha-lipoic acid.
Protein and Modified Citrus Pectin
Protein is important for immune system health, and it is especially important to help you to maintain a healthy weight during chemotherapy treatment says, CSNN. CSNN recommends taking a whey based protein supplement, at a dose of 2 g to 4 g per pound of body weight, per day. Modified citrus pectin, or MCP, is a type of fiber that is obtained from the peel and pulp of citrus fruit. CSNN says that although more research needs to be done, MCP is proposed to inhibit cancer cells from spreading. The school recommends taking 5 g to 30 g of MCP dissolved in water, and in divided doses throughout the day.
Mushroom Extracts
Maitake, reishi and shiitake are three types of mushrooms. Balch says that these mushrooms contain substances that may inhibit the growth and spread of cancerous tumors, and they also boost the immune system. For therapeutic purposes, buy extracts of one or more of these mushroom, and take it as directed on the label.
Shark Cartilage
According to Balch, shark cartilage has also been shown in preliminary studies to support the immune system and to both inhibit and reverse the growth of some types of tumors. Balch recommends taking 0.5 mg of shark cartilage per pound of body weight per day, and taking it divided into three separate doses.
References
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; Phyllis Balch; 2003
- "Pathology and Nutrition"; The Canadian School of Natural Nutrition; Lilieana Stradler Mitrea; 2008
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