Is it safe to take antioxidant supplements during cancer treatment?
Many dietary supplements contain levels of antioxidants (such as vitamins C and E) that are much greater than the amount recommended in the Dietary Reference Intakes for optimal health. At this time, many cancer doctors advise against taking higher doses of antioxidant supplements during chemotherapy or radiotherapy because they could repair the damage to cancer cells that helps these treatments work. But others have noted that the possible harm from antioxidants is only in theory, and that there may be a net benefit by helping to protect normal cells from the collateral damage from these cancer treatments. Whether antioxidants or any other dietary supplements are helpful or harmful during chemotherapy or radiotherapy is a critical question without a clear scientific answer at this time. Until more evidence is available that suggests more benefit than harm, it is best for cancer survivors getting these treatments to avoid dietary supplements that are more than 100% of the Daily Value f
