Supplements Cancer Treatment Warning

Introduction.

With so many health and vitamin supplements so easily available over the internet, it has really only been a question of time before the potential dangers of taking some supplements whilst at the same time being treated for serious illnesses, like cancers, was highlighted. Recently doctors from St Luke’s Roosevelt hospital and the Mailman School of Public Health have commented on the risks that some people could be putting themselves under.

Vitamins as a threat to treatments.

Cancer treatments need free radicals in the body - so avoid anti-oxidant supplements

Of particular concern has been the use by cancer patients of vitamins A, C and E supplements that have not been prescribed by their physicians. Those three vitamins are very useful in boosting the immune system of otherwise, and generally, healthy people due to their anti-oxidant effects mopping up free radicals. However, for cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy – the patients body needs free radicals to attack the cancer cells. Indeed chemotherapy and radiotherapy actually promote the development of free radicals, meaning the last thing you should be doing it taking a supplement to reduce them! Doctors do, of course, understand that patients are taking the vitamins in the belief that a strong immune system will benefit them, which normally it would – just not when they’re undergoing the cancer treatment itself.

Consult responsible websites selling vitamin and health supplements.

The obvious thing to do when buying online any vitamin or health supplement is to only use established and reputable, responsible, websites. How will you know if they’re a responsible website? There are several answers needed to completely cover that question. However, in the context of this article a responsible website will always inform you to seek advice from your physicians before taking any supplement – if you already have a medical condition. Indeed the very best sites will advise you to do that even if you are perfectly healthy and not ill.