Putting herbal supplements under the microscope. A new NIH initiative.

Like so many thousands of other cancer patients, I’m always scanning the news for the next great breakthrough that might keep my cancer in remission, and of course, herbal and dietary supplements will always be a part of that.

The media - both mainstream and online - is filled with ‘reports’ and ‘studies’ that purportedly demonstrate that one supplement or another has sure-fire anti-cancer properties. That’s when my nonsense detector goes into high gear. If it were only that easy.

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More reasons to get additional Vitamin D

As a cancer survivor I know the importance of Vitamin D supplements to help keep my breast cancer from returning, but my endocrinologist also tells me that it’s critical in keeping my bones strong, since the cancer meds have a way of making them brittle. So I take 3,000 IU daily of Vitamin D3 capsules. That’s right, 3,000. The Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) - which seems to come from nutrition studies conducted in the 15th century or maybe the 1950’s - is still hanging in there with 400 IU for those under 70 years of age, and 600 IU for those over 70.

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Cancer patients and dietary supplements

“If you are a cancer survivor, consult your doctor about any dietary supplements you’re taking. Some research suggest that large amounts of zinc or antiocidants, for example may actually promote the recurrent of certain cancers.

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