There are 13 essential vitamins that your body needs on a daily basis to promote optimal health, however, some of these vitamins may help or hinder certain medical treatments. When it comes to vitamin E and vitamin C in connection with chemotherapy treatment, different research studies have shown both pros and cons for vitamin supplementation. The effects of vitamin E and vitamin C on chemotherapy depend on which chemotherapy drugs are being used for your treatment. As with any vitamin supplementation, you should always consult with your physician before making any changes to vitamins you may be taking. Because of possible reactions of effects on your current medication, it is important for your physician to establish a supplementation plan that will work for you.
Chemotherapy
According to the American Cancer Society, chemotherapy refers to the use of drugs to treat a disease such as cancer. It can also be referred to as anti-neoplastic, or anti-cancer, therapy. While treatments like radiation and surgery treat cancer on a local level, chemotherapy treats the entire body. There are over 100 different drugs currently being used for chemotherapy treatments and many more still in development. They can either be used alone or in combination with other drugs.
Vitamin E and Chemo
Vitamin E is a fat soluble nutrient that acts as an antioxidant and works to boost the immune system. Vitamin E can be found naturally in many different vegetable oils, nuts, and green vegetables. According to a 2003 report in the "Journal of Clinical Oncology," vitamin E was tested as a supplement in patients that were being treated with cisplatin chemotherapy. Cisplatin can cause neuropathy in patients and researchers were looking for a connection between vitamin E and a decrease in neurological symptoms. Their study showed that those who supplemented with 300 mg/day of vitamin E showed significantly lower levels of neurotoxicity than those who did not receive vitamin E supplements. They believe that vitamin E should be supplemented in patients who are undergoing treatment with cisplatin.
Vitamin C and Chemo
Vitamin C, or ascorbic acid, works as an antioxidant in protecting cells. It is needed to make collagen and help wounds heal, as well as aid in the immune system. It can be found in citrus fruits and juices as well as some vegetables. When you are sick and fighting a cold, you are always told to make sure you are getting enough vitamin C. However, when it comes to chemotherapy, vitamin C may do more damage than good. According to a 2008 study published in "Cancer Research," vitamin C supplementation during cancer treatments can lessen the therapeutic response of the medication being used.
Vitamin E and C
A study published in 2011 in the "Journal of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics" looked at the supplementation of both vitamin E and vitamin C in patients undergoing chemotherapy for breast cancer in order to prevent some of the possible side effects due to a decrease in antioxidants. What they found was that the supplementation of both vitamins restored the antioxidant levels to normal range. They believe that the use of vitamin E and vitamin C in patients with breast cancer should be used in order to minimize chemotherapy related side effects.
References
- American Cancer Society; Chemotherapy Principles: An In-depth Discussion; September 28, 2010
- Office of Dietary Supplements: Vitamin E
- "Journal of Clinical Oncology"; Neuroprotective Effect of Vitamin E Supplementation in Patients Treated With Cisplatin Chemotherapy; Andrea Pace et al.; March 2003; Vol 21, Issue 5; 927-931
- Office of Dietary Supplements: Vitamin C
- "Cancer Research"; Vitamin C Antagonizes the Cytotoxic Effects of Antineoplastic Drugs; ML Heaney et al.; October 2008
- "Journal of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics"; Effect of Vitamins C and E on Antioxidant Status of Breast-Cancer Patients Undergoing Chemotherapy; N. Suhail et el.; January 4, 2011
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