Dietary Supplements OK for Cancer Survivors, but . . .

It is quite common practice for long-term cancer survivors to use wide-range of Dietary supplements. 753 Cancer patients with over 5 yrs. out-of-their-diagnosis, were phone-questioned about their dietary habits and supplement use.
Denise Snyder, RD. Clinical trials Manager, Duke University School of Nursing, expressed concern at the use of one specific type of nutrient, that could upset metabolic balance in the body processing nutrients. "Maybe too much of one thing, not enough of something else that may put your cells at risk", said Snyder.
Of those tested, 75% said they used dietary supplements. These ranged from multivitamins 80%; calcium 50%; antioxidants, C, E, carotenoids, selenium and combinations 41%; fish Oil 29%; glucosamine, chondrolin combinations 19%, and 18% took botanicals and herbs.
Denise Snyder was surprised at numbers taking supplements, with 90% claiming use off one formulation for 12 month or more. A healthier lifestyle seem to be main draw for adding supplements to diet.
Those who ate high amounts of fruit and vegetables, fibre and less saturated fats, tended to add supplement to their diet, too.
It would appear that 'balance' seems to be the clear winner, for it is recommended discussions with your GP or dietician to check a need to take so many supplements.
"If you eat fish three times per week, maybe there is need to cut down on fish oil" concluded Denise Snyder.
Acknowledgement WebMD/American Cancer Society.