Certain dietary supplements may help reduce the risk of cancer or support the body during cancer therapy. Supplements can contain herbal extracts or vitamins and minerals. There is a large number available, so some people may find it challenging to know where to begin.
However, the term anti-cancer supplements can be a little misleading. Some supplements may help reduce a person’s risk of developing cancer or support the body during cancer treatment, but no supplement can replace standard cancer therapies.
Anyone considering taking vitamins and supplements during cancer treatment should seek advice from their doctor first, particularly as some can interact with other medications or cause side effects.
In this article, we discuss some of the dietary supplements that may help prevent cancer or assist in recovery during cancer treatment. We also cover risks and considerations.
Omega-3 fatty acids
Omega-3s are polyunsaturated fatty acids that are naturally present in a variety of foods, including:
fish, including salmon, mackerel, and tuna
plants oils, such as those from flaxseed, soybean, and canola
nuts and seeds
Some research suggests that omega-3 fatty acids may help prevent some types of cancer.
For example, a 2015 reviewTrusted Source found some evidence that the anti-inflammatory properties of omega-3s may lower a person’s risk of developing breast cancer.
However, a 2019 clinical trialTrusted Source investigated the health benefits of omega-3 fatty acids in 25.871 people.
The researchers found that participants who took omega-3 supplements did not have an overall reduced risk of cancer compared to those who took a placebo. There was also no association between taking omega-3 supplements and a lower risk of breast, colorectal, or prostate cancers.
Dietary supplements that contain omega-3 fatty acids are widely available in health stores and pharmacies in a variety of different forms, includingTrusted Source:
cod liver oil
fish oil
krill oil
algal oil, which comes from algae and is suitable for vegetarians and vegans
A person can also purchase omega-3 supplements online.
The Office of Dietary Supplements (ODS)Trusted Source recommend a daily intake of 1.1–1.6 grams (g) of omega-3 fatty acids for people aged 14 years and upwards. A person should talk to their doctor before taking omega-3 supplements, as they can interact with some medications.
Green tea
Green tea is a popular drink that is rich in compounds called polyphenols, which have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Supplements containing extracts from green tea and its main active component, epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), may help in the fight against cancer.
According to a 2018 reviewTrusted Source, EGCG and green tea extracts may help prevent or delay cancer onset, cancer recurrence, and secondary growths from cancer.
However, the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH)Trusted Source state that studies of green tea and cancer in humans have so far produced inconsistent results.
Drinking one or more cups of green tea each day is a simple way to enjoy its potential health benefits. A person can buy a variety of different green teas online.
Green tea extracts are also readily available as dietary supplements, and people can purchase many of these online as well. However, some may find these extracts to be too concentrated.
According to the NCCIHTrusted Source, green tea can interact with nadolol, which is a medication for treating high blood pressure and heart problems. People currently taking this medication should speak to their doctor before using green tea products.