Vitamins, especially antioxidants like vitamin C, help keep us healthy and strong. Although it may seem logical to take vitamin supplements when you have cancer to build up your immune system and keep you strong, some vitamins may actually interfere with certain chemotherapy drugs. If you are undergoing chemotherapy, consult your oncologist before consuming vitamin supplements.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is a powerful vitamin that is involved with many bodily processes. It is an antioxidant, which helps prevent damage to cells caused by free radicals. This damage is thought to aid in the development of cancer and other diseases. Vitamin C is water-soluble, which means the body does not store it; we need to consume it consistently through diet or supplements. This vitamin helps repair bodily tissues and aids in making skin, tendons and blood vessels. Although low levels of vitamin C have been associated with various diseases and some types of cancers, clinical evidence that vitamin C treats or prevents these conditions is lacking, states the University of Maryland Medical Center.
Taxol
Taxol is the trade name for the generic chemotherapy drug called paclitaxel. It is typically used to help treat breast, ovarian, lung, bladder and esophageal cancers, as well as melanoma. The drug is given intravenously, and the dosage and administration schedule can vary, depending on what kind of cancer you have, your overall health and your height and weight, says Chemocare.com. Common side effects include hair loss, mouth sores, diarrhea, low blood counts and nerve damage, known as peripheral neuropathy. Most of these side effects tend to resolve once treatment has ended.
Antioxidants and Taxol
Opinions vary as to whether antioxidants are safe to consume while receiving chemotherapy. The American Cancer Society states that some oncologists believe that taking high doses of antioxidants during chemotherapy can interfere with the treatment, but there is no clinical evidence for this. A 2003 study by JA Drisko et al, published in the "Journal of the American College of Nutrition," found that when antioxidants, including vitamin C, were added twice weekly to ovarian cancer treatment that included Taxol, efficacy of chemotherapy may be increased. The relationship between antioxidant vitamins and chemotherapy needs to be explored further, and if you are receiving Taxol, ask your doctor whether vitamin C supplements may be appropriate for you.
Considerations
If you are receiving Taxol by itself or in combination with another chemotherapy drug, talk with your doctor and treatment team about whether it is safe for you to take vitamin C during treatment. Tell your team about any other vitamins or supplements you may be taking, and if they approve you using vitamin C, ask what the appropriate dosage is for you.
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