Is there a reputable fact sheet available for vitamins and mineral supplements, including possible benefits, that are ok to take alongside hormone treatment?I have just recently started taking Tamoxifen and will be moved on to AI's around December.At the moment Im taking Turmeric, Magnesium, Evening Primrose and Glucosamine. I mentioned these to my oncologist at my last visit.Thinking of adding Biotin and looking into Vit D...then I may as well open my own vitamin shop in my kitchen!I have never taken vitamins before but want to tackle this long haul with a positive attitude and anything which may help, well Im open to give it a good go.Thanks

Vitamin K can be very useful, but is also useful to promote natural blood clotting ( ie stopping bleeds), my old dentist used to always advocate its use. But if like me you are trying to improve bone density and on blood thinners due to heart issues possibly caused by chemo, then seek medical advice before using vitamin K. Old story, good for one thing, maybe contraindicated for another.

Have you had blood tests so that you know what should be your targeted vitamin to take?

I recently had blood tests. My oncologist had the results when I mentioned the vitamins and he was ok with them. No I dont know about "targeted" vitamins.

Not that I know of but saw my medical oncologist today for hormone therapy - I am to take Femara which is an aromatase inhibitor he suggested krill oil for joint pain side effects as well as Calciumand Vitamin D as AIS cause bone thinning ( apparently tamoxifen does not) Many of our fellow bloggers have posted they take powdered magnesium supplements. But wise to check with your oncologist that any supplements and the dosage you are taking don't conflict with their medical regimen.

Hi LisaO, unfortunately my GP and oncologist are not really for vitamins. My GP did request the usual yearly blood test and said all was well. I think eating good foods (maybe organic) should be all we need but I understand there are some exceptions and sometime vitamins are needed in some cases....I'm never sure about this.sorry probably not much help.

Vitamins and supplements | BCNA Online Network

Romla
Member
7 years ago
Thanks for that @Afraser as I am on blood thinners too.
Afraser
Member
7 years ago
Vitamin K can be very useful, but is also useful to promote natural blood clotting ( ie stopping bleeds), my old dentist used to always advocate its use. But if like me you are trying to improve bone density and on blood thinners due to heart issues possibly caused by chemo, then seek medical advice before using vitamin K. Old story, good for one thing, maybe contraindicated for another.
Romla
Member
7 years ago
Thanks User deleted - will read with interest. Admit to being surprised by the November 2017 Clinical guidelines for Osteoporosis .Here they are in case

https://www.osteoporosis.org.au/sites/default/files/files/20439%20Osteoporosis%20guidelines.pdf
kmakm
Member
7 years ago
@iserbrown Posted by accident!
Romla
Member
7 years ago
Just a quick update - have subsequently read the new Clinical guidelines for osteoporosis and gather is reluctance now to recommend Calcium because cardiologists believe is causing heart problems.Will be talking to my oncologist about this as am concerned - now only take 1 Caltrate Bone and Muscle Health daily and switching to Vitamin D3 only - am fair skinned redhead and sun averse.Only other supplement I Take is 1 Krill Oil tablets as recommended by medical oncologist who put me on Letrozole . The latter may just be making exp
iserbrown
Member
7 years ago
@kmakm ? is it just me or is there nothing above in your post?
kmakm
Member
7 years ago
.
melclarity
Member
8 years ago
Kath is correct, I was deliberately put on Magnesium 350g in water daily together with Caltrate to really boost me as am Vit D deficient as everyone is lol and have osteoporosis a gift from Chemo LOL.
June1952
Member
8 years ago
The Memorial Sloan Kettering website is very helpful so thank you, ladies.
The best thing is to discuss all options with one's treatment team (GPs often know very little so just hate anything they don't prescribe). Even then some of the oncologists are not up with everything as research changes things regularly.
Chemical companies push their products and the health food industry pushes theirs. After all, if they can stuff you up with one thing they then guarantee their own future as they have something else ready to treat the next issue.
Listen to your body, too, as you know it best.
Summer :-)
Romla
Member
8 years ago
I have osteoporosis and have been taking 2 Caltrate Plus daily since it became available and have thus far (pre- Femara )have found it excellent . Was a bit worried initially as manufactured in China in the light of recent issues with frozen products but been reassured by pharmacist that is ok.