Vitamins and supplements

Be aware that some compisite vitamins have crossover vitamibs. Caltrate Plus has magnesium, zinc and magnesium to support bone and muscle. 

@lisaO It is a good question, but I guess too no point taking things unnecessarily. 18 months ago when I finished chemo I was automatically put onto Vitamin D, majority of people are and funny thing is majority of the population are actually deficient in Vitamin D. Vitamin C as that helps with absorption of the Vitamin D. I was seeing a Kinesiologist when I finished and have since seen a Naturopath who both put me on Magnesium, that is the NO. 1 thing they say you should be on, it's like the baseline as it services over 300 enzymes in the body at a cell level for rejuvenation, that with a half teaspoon of caltrate. Thats all :) neither recommended anything else and I have to say I really do feel good and I know its the magnesium more than anything. Hugs Melinda xo

Hi @LisaO, It's Lisa from the Policy Team. Like @socoda and @TonyaM have said, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Centre's 'About Herbs' website can be helpful as you can type in specific vitamins, herbs or botanicals that you are interested in and get information about the products as well as possible interactions with medications. Though, we always recommend talking to your doctor before taking anything new as some products can reduce the effectiveness of medications, such as hormone therapy. 

I just wanted to add that our Hormone Therapy booklet might be useful. It has information about strategies that can help reduce the side effects of hormone therapy as well as information about complementary medicines and therapies.

Warm regards,
Lisa 

I am on Tamoxifen. I take 50mg of aspro to prevent vein blockages in my eye. I also take vitamin D, magnesium and vitamin C daily. I have been known to have low potassium levels which manifest themselves as calf cramps so sometimes I take a prescribed potassium pill or get back to eating a banana a day.

Hey @LisaO, here is the link Tonyam was talking about. Its a fantastic reference to have. https://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/diagnosis-treatment/symptom-management/integrative-medicine/herbs  Xx Cath

For the record, I am on Femara, which can play havoc with bone density, and take vitamin D, calcium and vitamin B on my oncologist's recommendations. My cardiologist recommends magnesium and Q10. I also take biotin, fish oil and a probiotic, all approved by everyone as being at least harmless. Apart from rattling when I walk (joke),  I am feeling pretty good. Agree  with @iserbrown however that unless prescribed or in response to a clear deficiency, you are probably wasting your money.

For questions about vitamins and supplements,BCNA recommends googling Sloane Kettering Institute. I take a good multi multivitamin such as Blackmores.A naturopath told me it is the safest to take whilst on other medications because it doesn't contain herbs or other ingredients.I find it helps me a little and apparently it's beneficial in the long term.

Thanks iserbrown.  I like your terminology "expensive urine"!!  I suppose I'm trying to go down the preventative path in trying to eleviate a few of the numerous "possible symptoms".

Good point iserbrown - only have to for me is Calciul/ Vitamin D due aromatase inhibitors thinning bones and my preexisting osteoporosis thus requiring Prolia injections 6 monthly as a bone builder

I ask because they say if you're levels are good they say it is expensive urine. When I said targeted vitamin what I was trying to say is are you deficient in a certain vitamin. 
If your Onc is happy with what you are doing that is what counts.
Take care