Vitamins can harm cancer patients: scientist

Jan 2013

Madeleine Heffernan, Julia Medew

LATE-stage cancer patients could be thwarting their own treatment by taking multi-vitamin pills containing antioxidants, the Nobel Prize-winning scientist James Watson has warned.

The benefits of supplements containing antioxidants such as vitamins A, C and E are the subject of fierce debate.

While some studies suggest that they could offer moderate protection against cancer, Professor Watson, who with Francis Crick discovered the ''double helix'' structure of DNA in 1953, argues that the pills could be doing more harm than good.

In a new paper, he claims that the reason late-stage cancers often become untreatable is that they produce high levels of antioxidants which stop treatments such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy from working.In healthy people, antioxidants can be helpful because they attack molecules known as ''free radicals'' which can damage DNA. But many cancer treatments use free radicals to kill tumour cells, meaning antioxidants could prevent them doing their job.

Professor Watson said studies should be carried out to test his theory, which he described as ''among my most important work since the double helix''.

Writing in the Royal Society's Open Biology journal, he said: ''For as long as I have been focused on the understanding and curing [of] cancer, well-intentioned individuals have been consuming antioxidative nutritional supplements as cancer preventatives if not actual therapies.

''In light of the recent data strongly hinting that much of late-stage cancer's untreatability may arise from its possession of too many antioxidants, the time has come to seriously ask whether antioxidant use much more likely causes, than prevents, cancer.

''Blueberries [which are high in antioxidants] had best be eaten because they taste good, not because their consumption will lead to less cancer.''

Professor Nic Jones, Cancer Research UK's chief scientist, said: ''We know from many large studies that, far from being potent cancer-fighters, antioxidant supplements seem to be ineffective for cancer prevention in healthy people, and some can even slightly increase the risk of cancer. This should give people good reason to think twice about relying on them.''

Steve Williamson, cancer spokesman for Britain's Royal Pharmaceutical Society, added: ''I always advise patients not to take antioxidants while they are having chemotherapy in case it counteracts it.''

Cancer Council Australia's chief executive Ian Olver said the comments ''had merit''.

''Multi-vitamins are something that may be helpful in prevention, but they may not be helpful for treatment,'' Professor Olver said.

With a study last year showing that more than 50 per cent of male cancer patients in Australia were using ''complementary and alternative medicines'' while receiving chemotherapy or radiotherapy, Professor Olver said patients and doctors should ensure that alternative medicine use is out in the open.

Telegraph, London

Read more: http://www.theage.com.au/national/health/vitamins-can-harm-cancer-patients-scientist-20130109-2cgrc.html#ixzz2IQwNrm7Z

Lymphedema and vitamins

Lymphedema and vitamins

**Editor's note: This is an interesting article, even though it dates back to 1971.  Written by the Földi clinic, so thought it worth sharing.** 

Ethel Földi-Borcsok and M. Földi - Lymphödem

In 1971, the unexpected fact has been described (1) that surgically induced acute experimental lymphedema in the rat flourished with the usual laboratory diet rich in
vitamins, can be treated successfully by the administration of various vitamins, e.g., pyndoxine, pantothenic acid, and particularly, a highly active representative of the vitamin P family,2 coumarin (5 , 6-benzo-a-pyron). These data, obtained by means of plethysmographic assessment of the volume of lymphedema, were confirmed by histology.

Based on these results, the question has to be raised whether an inadequate supplying of the organism with vitamins would aggravate lymphedema. After having obtained an affirmative answer to this question, therapeutic trials were performed in avitaminotic
lymphedematous animals. 

Material and methods

Experiments were performed in 150 male Wistar rats (body weights given in Fig. 1). The animals were divided into three groups.

Group 1

Group 1 comprised rats fed ad libitum an artificial diet rich in vitamins (Table 1). On the 56th day, these animals were divided into five subgroups. 

Subgroup 1.1 (n = 10). From the 56th to the 63rd day, the rats were given daily ip injections of saline, 10 mI/kg body wt. On the 60th day, the rats were anesthetized with nembutal (50 mg/kg ip). Preoperative volume of the neck and head was measured by electronic plethysmography by means of the apparatus constructed by Bundschuh (Griesheim, W. Germany). This was followed by a radical cervical lymphatic blockage. From a midline incision reaching from the mandibula to the sternum, lymph nodes were carefully prepared and
ligated. Plethysmographic measurements were repeated on the 63rd day.

Subgroup 1.2 (n = 10). In this subgroup, the procedure was the same as in subgroup 1.1, with
just one difference. Instead of saline, the rats were treated with the following vitamins in milligrams per kilogram body weight: vitamin B1, 40; lactoflavin, 23; niamid, 160; pyridoxine, 16; pantothenic acid, 240; biotin, 2 and cyanocobalamin, 80 pg/kg body weight.

Subgroup 1.3 (n 10). Procedure was the same as in subgroups 1.1 and 1.2 with one difference; i.e., the animals were treated with 25 mg/kg coumarin
(5 , 6-benzo-alpha-pyron). Subgroup 1.4 (,z 10). Procedure differed from that used in subgroups 1.1, 1.2, and 1.3 in one respect; the rats were treated with 500 mg/kg tnhydroxy-ethyl-rutin. Subgroup 1.5 (n 10). In this subgroup, the same procedure was followed as with subgroup 1.1 except that instead of a cervical lymphatic blockage, only a sham operation was performed.

Group 2

Rats were fed a diet (ad libitum) that was poor in B-complex vitamins (Table 1). On the 35th day, the rats were divided into five subgroups. (This day was chosen instead of the 56th because vitamin B deficiency was already marked and the state of the rats deteriorated rapidly.)

Subgroup 2.1 (n 10). From the 35th to the 42nd day, the rats were given daily ip injections of saline. On the 39th day, they were treated as those in subgroup 1 . 1 . Plethysmographic measurements were repeated on the 42nd day. Subgroup 2.2 (n 10). In this subgroup, procedure was the same as in subgroup 2.1, with one exception. Instead of saline, the rats were treated with the same vitamins as those in subgroup 1.2. Subgroup 2.3 (n 10). The rats in this group were treated with coumarin; otherwise the procedure was the same as in subgroup 2.1 and 2.2.

Subgroup 2.4 (n = 10). Our procedure differed from that used in subgroups 2.1, 2.2, and 2.3 in one respect, these rats were treated with trihydroxyethyl-rutin. Subgroup 2.5 (n = 10). In this subgroup, the procedure was the same as in subgroup 2.1 except that instead of a lymphatic blockage, only a sham operation was performed.

Group 3

Rats in this group were fed the Sherman-LaMerCampbell diet (4), free of vitamin P but supplemented with ascorbic acid (Table 1). This group..... 

Complete Text with charts:

American Journal of Clinical Nutrition

Vitamins

Vitamins

Vitamins for Lymphedema - Vitamins for Life

Vitamins are a part of the crucial nutrition circle for a healthy life. Vitamins deficiency causes many diseases and medical conditions, or contributes to them.

I am a proponent of vitamins supplement for two reasons:

1. Stress, whether if be mental or physical depletes your bodies reserves. A body with a depeleted vitamin reserve is less likely to heal from wounds, and infections, is less likely to cope with stress, and is much more vunerable to further illnesses.

2. In our modern world of processed, bleached, regurgitated and fast food products, much of the nutrient is gone before it reaches you table. Therefore, it is necessary to help in our vitamin requirements by taking supplements.

3. Lymphedema and the constant battle with infections and usage of antibiotics changes our vitamin requirements. Infections and antibioticsboth can depelete vitamin reserves and it is necessary to take supplements.

Numbers, Types and Functions of Vitamins

There are 13 known vitamins and these are divided into two types.

Fat soluble - Vitamins that are absorbed and stored within our fat cells. It is importantto remember that you can overdose on these vitamins and the results can lead so serious toxic poisonings and conditions. In the case of fat soluble vitamins, more is not better.

Water soluble - Vitamins wherein your body uses what it needs for the moment and then flushes the remaining ones from your system via the urine. Inadequate intake of these also leads to complications and conditions.

Because of the above, I always recommend chelated or time-released vitamins. That way, your body is constantly getting the required vitamins throughout your day and you don't have to worry about to much or to little.

Other important information relating to vitamins, nutrition and minerals supplements include:

Antioxidant Vitamins

Minerals, Trace Elements and Amino Acids

Lymphedema Vitamins and Nutrition

Vitamin Glossary

Lymphedema and Salt

Carbohydrate Addiction

Carbohydrate Addiction

What causes carbohydrate and other food cravings?

We don't really know enough about all the factors that cause specific food cravings. More research is needed to help understand appetite. Many studies suggest that a decrease in blood sugar stimulates hunger. This might help explain a craving for foods high in carbohydrates, which are a quick energy source.

Other studies suggest that the “mind-mood-food connection” may be explained by decreases in the brain chemical serotonin (sair-oh-TO'nin). Serotonin helps you feel less pain, less anxiety and less stress, so it improves mood by increasing relaxation. Some experts think that people who crave carbohydrates have low serotonin levels. Others caution that these cravings may just be a learned response.

What is “carbohydrate craving” or “carbohydrate addiction?”

These terms are used in a theory about the relationship between carbohydrate, insulin and appetite. (The body uses the hormone insulin to convert sugar, starch and other foods into energy.) We know that eating carbohydrate raises insulin, which then lowers blood sugar. This causes a desire (or craving) for more food and, in some people, carbohydrate.

Some people advocate severely reducing carbohydrate intake to reduce the insulin response and cravings. Others suggest that choosing carbohydrate-containing foods with a lower glycemic (gli-SE'mik) index also can lower insulin response and appetite. There isn’t enough research in this area for us to know what’s right. Also, individual responses may vary considerably.

What are the potential problems of severely reducing carbohydrate intake?

Diets low in carbohydrate are likely to lack sufficient amounts of essential nutrients found in plant foods that promote good health. People following these diets may not get enough vitamins, minerals and fiber to avoid blood chemistry imbalances, constipation and other health problems.

What's missing if carbohydrate-containing foods are severely restricted?

The American Heart Association recommends choosing a wide variety of foods low in saturated fat and cholesterol. While people need to watch their calorie intake to prevent obesity, they should consume a diet rich in grains (6 or more servings of breads, cereals, rice, pasta and beans) and at least five servings of fruits and vegetables daily. Combined with 2–4 servings of fat-free or low-fat dairy products, most healthy diets will contain at least 50–55 percent of calories from carbohydrates. Diets severely restricted in carbohydrate may be low in components that we need. For instance,

Diets low in grain products are likely to be low in B vitamins and minerals. Whole grains are also rich sources of potassium and fiber.

Low-fat or fat-free milk and yogurt are excellent sources of calcium, protein and riboflavin.

Vegetables and fruits are rich sources of vitamins, minerals and fiber. They may also have other components with health benefits that are still being discovered.

Some experts stress the importance of eating breakfast and at least two other meals a day to help control hunger. People with insulin resistance or diabetes may need to spread their calories out over a whole day by having small meals and 2–3 small snacks. (This can also help reduce hunger.) Related AHA publications:

An Eating Plan for Healthy Americans

Easy Food Tips for Heart-Healthy Eating

Reading Food Labels: A Handbook for People with Diabetes, order from American Diabetes Association (1-800-232-3472) Detailed Research

AHA Scientific Statement: AHA Dietary Guidelines: Revision 2000, #71-0193 Circulation. 2000;102:2284-2299; Stroke. 2000;31:2751-2766

See also:

Carbohydrates and Sugars Whole Grains and Fiber American Heart Assoc. - Nutrition Center Healthier Kids Fiber and Children's DietPhytochemicals and Cardiovascular Disease Triglycerides Vegetables and Fruits Vegetarian Diets Carbohydrate Addiction

Diet and Lifestyle Recommendations

A Diet for Lymphedema

There is no “special” diet that lymphedema patients must follow, just because they have lymphedema. If you have no other medical conditions involved, your diet will be fairly normal (healthy diet of course).

The rules on foods to avoid or consume in moderation are much like the guidelines given for non-lymphedema people.

1. Restrict high fat foods or high cholesterol foods.

2. Limit sodium intake as it causes fluid retention.

3. Limit or avoid caffeine as it is a natural diuretic

4. Limit or avoid alcohol

Having said that however, I have always been a proponent of vitamins, supplements, good nutrition an, exercise and weight control. It just makes sense whether or not you have lymphedema.

It becomes even more important if you do.

It is well established that stress depletes your body of vitamins and nutrients as it tries to cope with whatever threat you are under, physically and mentally. Once these reserves are depleted, it becomes even more difficult for your “system” to take care of and rejuvenate itself.

These supplements will help give it that extra boost.

I am also a proponent of the concept that it is up to the patient to take the responsibility for taking care of themselves. This is especially true in lymphedema.

You can not expect doctors too, most of them have no clue anyway about this condition. Therapists are our best friends and do more for lymphedema patients that anyone else in the medical world, but you shouldn't expect this from them either.

At some point, you must care enough about yourself and your life to step forward. You must understand no one else can take care of you, but you.

Special Dietary Considerations

It is essential to understand as well, that if you other medical conditions that require a special diet, you must follow that dietary regime.

For example If you have a diabetes and lymphedema, then you must ad here to the special dietary rules for diabetes. The same is true should you have coronary problems and lymphedema.

The Importance of Weight in the Management of Lymphedema

The importance of weight control in the management of lymphedema cannot be stressed enough. Obesity or morbid obesity can actually cause a secondary form of lymphedema. While it may start as a “temporary” lymphedema the lymphatics can be so damaged that if the weight were lost, the lymphedema would remain. The weight actually crushes and overloads the lymphatics. When this occurs you will also begin experiencing further damaged caused by lymphedema complications, such as infections, weeping wounds and fibrosis.

Also, some of the complications involved in obesity lead to edema.

These edema causing complications are congestive heart failure, diabetes, hypertension, kidney disease, stroke and liver disease.

Other reasons for weight control when you have lymphedema is simple mobility and the ability to continue to function and do activities you really enjoy. It is difficult enough with just lymphedema and is profoundly affected by morbid obesity.

For information on obesity and lymphedema. Our following articles that will help in understanding what a healhy diet is and the basic foods groups that contribute to that diet and help in managing lymhpedema.