Facing cancer treatment can be daunting especially when malnourishment becomes a concern. Many individuals wonder whether supplements are the solution to bolster their health during this challenging time. As an oncology dietitian, I advocate for a "food first" approach. In this article, we'll explore the importance of relying on whole foods, consulting with your healthcare team, and, if necessary, making informed choices about supplements to address malnourishment during cancer treatment.
Prioritizing Food for Nutrition
In the realm of cancer nutrition, the adage "food as medicine" holds tremendous significance. Whole foods are a powerhouse of nutrients, offering a symphony of vitamins, minerals, fiber, and phytochemicals. These elements work harmoniously to support your overall health and well-being. The human body is designed to absorb and utilize nutrients most efficiently when they come from food. In fact, nutrients are better absorbed from food than they are from supplements. Therefore, when addressing malnourishment, the primary focus should be on optimizing your diet during cancer treatment with nutritious whole foods.
If you are chemotherapy taste changes are making it difficult to eat, see my article Navigating Taste Changes During Chemotherapy: A Comprehensive Guide to Preventing Malnutrition here:
The Role of Supplements: A Consultation is Key
While food should take center stage in your nutrition plan, there may be situations where supplementation is considered. However, it's crucial to approach this with caution and only after consulting with your healthcare team, which includes your oncologist and registered dietitian.
Why Consultation Matters
1. Individualized Assessment: Your healthcare team can conduct a thorough assessment of your nutritional needs by doing bloodwork to determine where there are deficiencies
This allows them to tailor recommendations to your specific condition and treatment plan. Since there are upper limits and toxic levels for some vitamins, this assessment is an important step to determine if the supplement is warranted and how much you should take.
2. Potential Interactions: Supplements may interact with cancer treatments or medications, which can impact their effectiveness or safety. Your healthcare team can identify and mitigate these risks.
Patients tell me they haven't disclosed their supplement use to their doctor because they believe the supplement is natural and are afraid the doctor will tell them to discontinue use. This is precisely why you should tell your doctor! They are carefully managing your treatment and need to be aware of anything you are taking.
3. Monitoring Progress: Regular consultation allows your healthcare team to monitor your progress and adjust your nutrition plan accordingly, ensuring the best possible outcome.
The FDA and Supplements: What You Need to Know
It's important to note that the FDA does not regulate supplements as rigorously as pharmaceutical drugs. This lack of oversight means that the quality and safety of supplements can vary significantly. Some supplements may contain more or less of an ingredient than what is indicated on the label, making it difficult to determine their true potency. Additionally, there have been incidents where supplements were found to be contaminated with unwanted substances, including heavy metals like lead.
Quality Assurance Through Third-Party Testing
To address these concerns, look for supplements that undergo third-party testing. Organizations like the National Safety Foundation, Consumer Labs, and the USP Dietary Supplement Verification Program conduct independent assessments of supplement batches. High-quality brands proudly display their logos on their labels, ensuring that what's on the label matches the product's contents and that the supplement is free from contaminants.
Specialization and Reputation
Choose supplements from brands that specialize in the specific product you need, such as probiotics or fish oil. These brands often invest more in research and quality control. If you are unfamiliar with quality supplement brands, ask a registered dietitian. Purchase the supplement from trusted sources rather than looking for the least expensive option on the internet. Since good supplements tend to be expensive, there are counterfeits. I recommend Fullscript and provide a discount to my patients. They offer a range of reputable brands.
In addressing malnourishment during cancer treatment, prioritize food as the foundation of your nutrition plan. Whole foods provide an array of nutrients and support your overall well-being. However, if supplements are deemed necessary by your healthcare team, approach them with careful consideration. Consultation with your healthcare team is paramount to ensure that supplements complement your treatment plan and do not pose any risks. By combining the power of whole foods with well-informed supplement choices, you can take proactive steps towards better health and well-being during your cancer treatment.
Read more about malnourishment during cancer treatment here:
Other Articles About Cancer Related Malnutrition:
Nutrition During Cancer Treatment: Nutrients' Critical Role to Avoid Cancer-Related Malnutrition
Medical Nutrition Therapy & Malnutrition: The Key to Surviving and Thriving Through Cancer Treatment
These articles are for educational purposes and should not take the place of personalized care. Please consult your healthcare team to determine if supplement use is appropriate for you.
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