Is it OK to take B-12 on chemo?

For supplements other than antioxidants: Use of vitamin B12 both before and during chemotherapy was associated with poorer disease-free survival and poorer overall survival. Use of iron during chemotherapy was associated with recurrence, as was use both before and during treatment.


Does vitamin B12 interfere with chemo?

People taking vitamin B12 both before chemotherapy and during chemotherapy were 83% more likely to have a recurrence and about twice as likely to die. People taking iron supplements both before chemotherapy and during chemotherapy were 91% more likely to have a recurrence.

Can cancer patients take vitamin B12?

A healthy intake of B-12, whether in a normal diet, through a supplement, or via injection, can help a cancer patient recover. It can also help reduce the risk of cancers in healthy people.


What vitamins should be avoided during chemo?

Echinacea, curcumin, St. John's wort, valerian root, and allium (an extract of garlic) — all are examples of herbal supplements that can disrupt the toxicity-efficacy balance of chemotherapy.

Can B12 help with chemo induced neuropathy?

Background: Chemotherapy-induced neuropathy (CiN) is common with heavy metals, taxanes, and vinca alcaloids. Pyridoxine (Vit B6) is used for diabetic neuropathy and cyanocobalamine (Vit B12) is required for synthesis of myelin and maintenance of the integrity of neuronal tissue.


Does Vitamin B12 work against cancer?



Can B12 aggravate neuropathy?

B12 deficiency may cause demyelination of nerves in the peripheral and central nervous system13 and has been associated with peripheral neuropathy, loss of sensation in peripheral nerves, and weakness in lower extremities in older adults1, 1416.

How can I prevent neuropathy during chemo?

Read on for 5 top tips on preventing and managing neuropathy while taking chemotherapy drugs.
  1. Medication. ...
  2. Exercise Regularly. ...
  3. Eat Well to Prevent Neuropathy from Chemo. ...
  4. Massage and Acupuncture. ...
  5. Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS) or Dorsal Root Ganglion Stimulation (DRGS)


What are the best vitamins to take during chemotherapy?

Selenium, folic acid and probiotics have been found to be safe for use during chemotherapy treatment.


Which vitamin is best during chemotherapy?

Some vitamins or minerals could interfere with how well cancer drugs work. Antioxidant supplements such as co enzyme Q10, selenium and the vitamins A, C and E can help to prevent cell damage.

Is it OK to take vitamin D during chemotherapy?

Vitamin D has been shown to enhance many types of Chemotherapy. So, be careful about taking vitamin D IF your doctor is unwilling to reduce the amount of chemo to be given. Chemo dosages were established for the majority of people who have low levels of vitamin D in their blood.

What medications should you not take B12 with?

Possible interactions include:
  • Aminosalicylic acid (Paser). Taking this drug used to treat digestive problems might reduce your body's ability to absorb vitamin B-12.
  • Colchicine (Colcrys, Mitigare, Gloperba). ...
  • Metformin (Glumetza, Fortamet, others). ...
  • Proton pump inhibitors. ...
  • Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) supplements.


Why do you need B12 before chemo?

Vitamin B12 and folic acid (FA) supplementation (B12-FAS) reduces hematologic toxicity with pemetrexed-based chemotherapy (PEM).

How can I boost my immune system during chemo?

Six ways to stay strong during chemo
  1. Boost your nutrition. Eating a healthy diet helps you deal with side effects and fight infections. ...
  2. Stay well hydrated. Chemotherapy can be dehydrating. ...
  3. Tackle physical changes. ...
  4. Avoid germs. ...
  5. Keep exercising. ...
  6. Get your R&R.


Which vitamin B complex is best for neuropathy due to chemo?

Neuropathy can be a significant side effect of chemotherapy using platinum compounds, taxanes, and vinca alkaloids. There is clinical and preclinical data that vitamin B6 and B12 may alleviate neuropathy in experimentally induced neuropathy in animal models, or clinical neuropathy such as diabetic neuropathy.


What makes chemo less effective?

Resistance can occur when cancer cells—even a small group of cells within a tumor—contain molecular changes that make them insensitive to a particular drug before treatment even begins. Because cancer cells within the same tumor often have a variety of molecular changes, this so-called intrinsic resistance is common.

How can I increase my red blood cells during chemo?

If chemotherapy causes anemia, your doctor may prescribe medications called erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs). ESAs are forms of erythropoietin made in the laboratory. They work by telling your bone marrow to make more red blood cells.

What is best to drink during chemo?

Drink fluids frequently—this will prevent dehydration and remove some of the byproducts of the chemotherapy. Water is the best, but there are other sources of fluids such as: Apple and grape juice. Fruit nectars.


Can you take vitamins while doing chemo?

Common antioxidant supplements taken by patients include vitamins A, C, and E, carotenoids (such as beta-carotene and lycopene) as well as selenium and Coenzyme Q10. We generally recommend that patients discontinue them before, during and for a period of time after treatment is completed.

What supplements help with chemo brain?

Patients with breast cancer treated with chemotherapy who also took a probiotics supplement had significantly fewer symptoms of chemotherapy-related cognitive impairment (CRCI) ― often referred to as "chemo brain" ― compared to a control group taking placebo capsules, reports the first study of its kind.

What foods help chemo work better?

Plant-based Proteins. Some of the best foods to eat during chemotherapy or other cancer treatments are plant-based proteins. They offer the highest levels of vitamins and minerals, Rajagopal says. This means eating lots of vegetables as well as beans, legumes, nuts and seeds.


What supplements help with chemo side effects?

Herbs and Other Supplements
  • Ginger can help you manage nausea and vomiting from chemotherapy. ...
  • Zinc may help prevent taste changes, a side effect of radiation, chemotherapy, and some pain medicines.
  • Astragalus might ease the side effects of chemotherapy, such as nausea and vomiting, if you have colorectal cancer.


What vitamins shrink tumors?

Vitamin C and fasting-mimicking diet can shrink tumors.

Does walking help chemo neuropathy?

Why is exercise beneficial? Exercise can help patients who are going through chemotherapy by increasing their muscle strength. Exercise can be done at home; no equipment is required. Exercise can help increase blood flow to the muscles.


What helps neuropathy in hands and feet from chemo?

One study showed that exercise improved symptoms, such as tingling and numbness in the hands and feet, in some people with breast cancer. People should discuss the exercises that are best for them with their doctor. Low-impact activities, such as swimming, low-impact aerobics, or yoga, are the safest options.

What percentage of chemo patients get neuropathy?

Damage to peripheral nerves by these drugs is called chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy, abbreviated as CIPN. CIPN isn't uncommon. Of people with cancer who are treated with chemotherapy, about 30 to 40 percent develop CIPN.