Dietary Supplements

If you are not getting enough nutrients from your diet, you may want to consider supplements of iron, folic acid, vitamin B12 and vitamin C. Be sure to speak with your doctor and/or pharmacist first because some over-the-counter supplements (herbal too) can interact with some cancer medications and too much of a supplement can be harmful.

Iron and Vitamin C: If you have an iron deficiency, your doctor may prescribe iron supplements and vitamin C. Vitamin C will make it easier to absorb the iron. Carefully follow the instructions to ensure that the iron is absorbed properly. With an iron supplement, you may experience constipation or digestive problems and your stools may become black. Taking the supplement in divided doses and with food can help. If you have problems, talk to your doctor and pharmacist. Your doctor may be able to prescribe medication to reduce these effects. Vitamin C toxicity is very rare as the body cannot store it. It is water-soluble and leftover amounts are eliminated in urine. Taking more than 2,000 mg/day of vitamin C is not recommended because such high doses can lead to stomach upset and diarrhea.

Vitamin B12: The body requires a minimal amount of B12 that is typically met by a balanced diet. If your blood tests show a deficiency, then your doctor will likely administer Vitamin B12 by injection. Although vitamin B12 is a water-soluble vitamin, it can be stored in the liver. The risk of toxicity from vitamin B12 is low. There is a potential for interaction with medications.

Folic Acid: helps produce and maintain new cells, and is needed to make normal red blood cells. It is important for cells that divide rapidly, as cancer cells do. Folic acid and B12 work together and you need to ensure both are at the proper levels. Supplements are generally in pill form. Folic acid is a water-soluble vitamin and excess amounts are eliminated in urine. The risk of toxicity from folic acid supplements is low. There is some evidence that high levels of folic acid can provoke seizures in patients taking anti-convulsant medications. Intake of supplemental folic acid should not exceed 1,000 micrograms per day to prevent folic acid from triggering symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency.