This page is under construction.
In my opinion, the following supplements are of interest in lymphoma during watch and wait, recovery from treatment, and remission. The information on this page does not address the use of supplements during treatment. This information has been compiled with the help of the following books:
It is assumed that the following supplements are in addition to a good multi pill.
IP-6
VITAMIN B 12 assists in proper cell growth, including red and white cell formation, in energy metabolism, and in nerve function. B12 is found in animal foods, esp. liver and kidneys, eggs, fish, cheese and other meat. (B12 in soy foods may not be available to the body.)
Research has indicated that B12 (as methylcobalamin) can extend the lives of mice with cancer. Quillin claims that the combination of B12 and C is particularly beneficial, forming a cobalt ascorbate complex which has been shown to slow tumor growth in animal studies.
Other research has shown B12's usefulness in countering the production of homocysteine, in alleviating asthma and sulfite sensitivity, depression, diabetic neuropathy, low sperm counts, and tinnitus. It is thought to make nerve regeneration possible in high doses, augments T cell activities, and helps with sleep-wake rhythm disorders.
Dosage: Quillin recommends 1 mg (1000 mcg) per day. Murray recommends 1000 mcg per day (2000 or more for acute problems like tinnitus or neuropathies), and advocates the use of methylcobalamin rather than the commonly available cyanocobalamin. Methylcobalamin is immediately active in the body. One source of methylcobalamin is Life Extension Foundation which sells 1 mg and 5 mg strengths; 1-800-544-4440. No toxicities have been reported, and some sources say that dosages up to 60 mg have been tried without ill effects.
VITAMIN C
VITAMIN E is an antioxidant that protects cell membranes against the potentially damaging effects of iron and oils, stimulates the immune function (T cells, lymphocyte proliferation) and protects the circulating while cells from damage, boosts the activity of the thymus and spleen, provides possible protection against septicemia (was tested on burned animals), protects liver and colon from toxins (nitrates, heavy metals, other toxic compounds) as well as skin from sun damage. Can reverse fibrocystic breast disease, inhibits platelet adhesion (and so helps slow down the spread of cancer), reduces certain cancer risks, and helps with infertility problems. Topically used to heal mouth sores. Low vitamin E may contribute to peripheral neuropathies and heart disease. Sources include oils, seeds, nuts and whole grains. Also asparagus, avocado, berries, green leafy vegetables and tomatoes.
In studies, tumors pretreated with vit. E had greater tumor kill from radiation, and in cases of preoperative radiation, the wound healing was speeded up. Quillin suggests that vit. E protects normal cells in treatment because cancer cells are less likely to absorb vitamin E. 1600 IU when taken 1 week prior to adriamycin therapy will protect from hair loss, and helps repair kidney damage. It also helps reduce heart toxicity of adriamycin. E succinate has been shown in vitro to inhibit cancer cell growth. Another study showed that vit. E supplements prevented the glucose-raising effect of doxorubicin while improving its tumor kill rate.
Dosage: 400-800 IU. Murray doubts that more than 400 is necessary for most purposes. Quillin cites a study on humans where 900 IU was ingested with no signs of toxicity or blood clotting inhibition. He says that a review of world literature on vit. E concluded that there are virtually no side effects under 3200 IU per day. May potentiate the effects of prescription anti-coagulant drugs. Due to its immune boosting property, people with lymphoma should probably stay away from dosages higher than 200-400 IU unless in treatment.
MAGNESIUM
MINERAL TODDY
POTASSIUM is an electrolyte that is key in maintaining good water and acid/base balance in the body, and is important for proper functioning of muscles, nerves, heart, kidneys, and adrenal glands. It is also essential in converting blood sugar to glycogen for energy production, and in maintaining healthy blood pressure. Diet high in potassium may help prevent degenerative diseases and correct the cellular imbalance caused by high intake of sodium (table salt). Apples, bananas, carrots, oranges, potatoes, avocados, beans, tomatoes, cantaloupes and apricots are particularly high in potassium, along with other fresh fruits and veggies.
Potassium deficiency causes muscle weakness, fatigue, mental confusion, heart arrhythmias, impaired nerve conductivity, and cellular edema, The deficiency can be caused by heavy sweating, chronic use of laxatives, diuretics and some prescription drugs, or diarrhea.
Dosage: Health food stores only carry 99 mg potassium supplements. Chelated potassium may be the easiest to absorb. Higher dosages are available by prescription (usually 1.5-3 g per day; for high blood pressure 1.9-5.6 g is commonly prescribed), but potassium salts sometimes cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and ulcers. Increasing potassium intake via diet is not associated with side effects. Extra potassium is sometimes contraindicated in kidney disease, and in combination with some prescription drugs (eg digitalis, certain diuretics, and blood-pressure lowering drugs).
FLORA
FOS
FLAVONOIDS are plant pigments which color flowers, fruits and vegetables. Thousands of flavonoids have been identified; notable ones include proanthocyanidins, quercetin, citrus bioflavonoids, and green tea polyphenols. Proanthocyanidins are commercially available as extracts from grape seeds and from pine bark. Quercetin is found in red apples and onions, and many studies show it to be the most potent flavonoid. Citrus bioflavonoids (incl. rutin, hesperidin and others) come from citrus fruits. Green tea polyphenols include catechin, epicatechin gallate, epigallocatechin, and proanthocyanidins. Flavonoids are considered semi-essential in the human diet. They are anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, anti-allergic and anti-carcinogenic. They act as anti-oxidants, providing protection against cell damage, decrease capillary permeability, prevent collagen damage, and help with bleeding gums, hemorrhoids, varicose veins and the restless-leg syndrome. Quercetin in particular is said to have strong anti-tumor effects, inhibits the growth of H. pylori and other micro-organisms, and prevents uric acid build up.
Good sources include fruits and berries, onions, legumes, red wine, and green tea. Recommended dosage ranges: PCO: 150-300 mg daily. Quercetin: 200-400 mg 20 min before meals, 3x daily. Citrus bioflavs: 1000-6000 mg daily dep. on potency. Green tea: 3 cups daily (or 300-400 mg of standardized extract). Green tea contains about 50-100 mg of caffeine per cup. If you are taking a prescription drug that is contraindicated for orange juice, do not take flavonoid supplements. Quercetin may be contraindicated during antibiotic use as it may inhibit its effect.
FLAX OIL
LIPOIC ACID (thioctic acid)
Researched and written by Vera Bradova © 1998
Updated 12-20-1998
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