A frequently asked question by patients regards the use of anti oxidants during their cancer treatment. The answer has always been ” NO”- not due to a prejudice against these therapies but because there is no information available regarding the potential interaction between conventional chemotherapy and so called natural therapies. Another concern relates to the lack of regulation of substances marketed as “natural” remedies with no legislature controlling the registration of these so called alternative remedies.
. A recent Medscape article discussed this issue based on a similar article published in the July 10 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine. The latter is a highly regarded peer review journal with practice changing publications. Based on animal studies and observational studies in humans, it appears that anti oxidants may in fact be harmful in increasing cancer risk.
References
Antioxidants Appear to Be Harmful in Cancer Patients. Medscape. Jul 11, 2014.
The promise and perils of antioxidants for Cancer patients. New England journal of Medicine July 2010
Dr Bassa Oncology 