Navigating the complex world of supplements during and after cancer treatment can feel overwhelming. As cancer survivors and healthcare professionals who have supported thousands of patients, we understand the confusion, anxiety, and stress that can come with seeking the right nutritional support.

In this article we are going to uncover some of the common supplement traps. As both cancer survivors and healthcare professionals, we’ll share what we’ve learned from personal experience, the published literature, and from supporting patients just like you facing similar challenges.

Why This Guide Matters

The supplement aisle is a maze of options, and the internet is flooded with conflicting advice. You might be wondering:

• Am I doing everything I can to support my recovery?
• Do I really need these vitamins?
• Are these supplements safe for me?

These are essential questions, and asking them is important in taking control of your health and wellbeing after cancer. 

The Emotional Landscape of Post-Cancer Nutrition

Let's be real: The pressure to "do everything right" after cancer can be intense. Here's our top advice for you:

• It's okay to feel overwhelmed
• You don't need to take every supplement you read about
• Quality trumps quantity
• Small, consistent steps are more important than radical changes

What patients have shared 

Phillip (Bowel Cancer survivor): "Low zinc levels were impacting my immunity. A simple test and expert advice on supplementation changed everything."

Alison (Bowel Cancer survivor): "After my stoma, a homemade electrolyte solution helped me recover my energy”.

Common Supplement Pitfalls (And How to Avoid Them)

_{Image: Associate Professor Teresa Mitchell-Paterson, Co Founder of The NutraThrive Collective}

1. The "More is Better" Misconception

Kim, one of our patients, learned this lesson the hard way. She was spending hundreds of dollars on supplements, taking handfuls of vitamins daily, until her oncologist helped her understand that over-supplementation could actually hinder recovery.

2. Timing and Interactions Matter

Andrew discovered that taking calcium with iron reduced the effectiveness of both supplements. The timing of your vitamins can be just as important as the supplements themselves.

3. Personalised Approach is Key

One-size-fits-all advice is dangerous. A supplement that might help one cancer type could be ineffective or even problematic for another.

4. Quality Over Cheap Alternatives

Not all supplements are created equal. Absorption rates and purity vary significantly. We'll guide you on what to look for.

5. Verify Practitioner Credentials

Jane's experience with a "nutrition expert" who completed a six-month online course highlighted the importance of verifying professional qualifications.

Essential Nutrients: What You Really Need to Know

Vitamin D: The Recovery Ally

Key Insights:

• Many cancer patients are vitamin D deficient
• Symptoms like fatigue can be linked to low levels
• Regular testing is important

Practical Tips:

• Request vitamin D testing every 3-6 months
• Get morning sun exposure (15 minutes, avoiding sunburn)
• Take fat-soluble supplements with meals

B Vitamins: Energy Restoration

Challenges:

• Absorption issues post some cancer treatments
• Medication interactions
• Choosing the right form

Effective Strategies:

• Consider sublingual B12
• Take B vitamins earlier in the day
• Start with individual B vitamins
• Low-dose, food-grade options can be equally effective

Iron: Navigating the Complexities

Critical Considerations:

• Understand the root cause of low iron
• Avoid over-supplementation
• Regular monitoring is essential

Pro Tips:

• Take with vitamin C for better absorption
• Avoid consuming with tea, coffee, or dairy
• Discuss personal preferences (liquid versus tablets) with your healthcare team
• Talk to your healthcare team about overcoming constipation if needed 

Practical Implementation Guide

For Patients

Morning Routine Optimisation:

• Keep supplements visible but secure
• Use AM/PM pill organisers
• Set phone reminders

Budget-Friendly Approaches:

• Prioritise essential supplements
• Leverage pharmacy loyalty programmes
• Check private health insurance coverage
• Explore discounts for those on reduced incomes

For Carers

Support Strategies:

• Help track supplement schedules
• Monitor side effects
• Maintain a supplement diary
• Attend medical appointments and ask your questions 

Red Flags: When to Seek Professional Guidance

 

Contact your healthcare team if you experience:

• Unexplained fatigue
• New digestive issues
• Changes in medication effectiveness
• Unexpected symptoms
• Persistent pain or discomfort

Quality Control: Choosing the Right Supplements 

Your essential checklist:

• Consult a clinical nutritionist
• Choose Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) approved products
• Check for artificial fillers
• Research manufacturers
• Consider practitioner-recommended ranges

We are here to Support and Guide you 

We’re here to support and guide you through education, expert guidance and an incredible community.  

We've been where you are, and we've helped thousands navigate this journey. Our community offers:

• Personal support from a community who understands
• We read the science and interpret it into easy to understand small bites
• Expert guidance from health care professionals who are cancer survivors 
• Regular Q&A sessions to answer your questions so that you can take the worry and confusion out of managing supplements  and nutrition after cancer 
• Support groups for sharing experiences and tips

We would love for you to join our growing community of cancer patients (during and post treatment), carers, and experts. Join Us Now.

Thanks for reading! Make sure that you are subscribed to receive our next blog! 

A/Professor Teresa Mitchell-Paterson and Sally Kriel 

Co-Founders of The NutraThrive Collective

Final Thoughts

Remember: Recovery and learning to live well after cancer  is a marathon, not a sprint. Be patient with yourself, celebrate small wins, and know you're not alone.

Disclaimer: This guide combines clinical evidence and patient experiences. Always consult your healthcare team before starting or changing any supplementation regimen. We empower our community of readers and members to take control of their own health and wellbeing through asking their medical team questions to understand their medical condition, treatment options, and treatment plan.

A list of resources to support patients and their carers with informed decision making can be found below: 

• Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Health Care - Healthcare Rights and Positive Change Series
• Shared decision Making - Queensland Government
• Making decision about your care - UK NICE Guidelines
• Patient Question Builder App - USA

Additional Nutrition Resources 

Australian Resources

1. Cancer Australia - Diet
• Provides guidelines on a varied diet rich in vegetables, fruits, grains, and lean proteins to support cancer treatment and recovery.

Website: Cancer Australia.

1. Chris O'Brien Lifehouse - Oncology Nutrition
• Focuses on personalised dietary plans by accredited dietitians to manage symptoms and enhance well-being during treatment.

Website: Chris O'Brien Lifehouse.

1. Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre - Nutrition Resources
• Offers various downloadable resources including guides on nourishing diets tailored for cancer patients and their carers.

Website: Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre.

American Resources

1. American Cancer Society - Nutrition for People with Cancer
• Discusses how nutrition impacts cancer treatment and recovery, offering practical dietary advice.

Website: American Cancer Society (search for "nutrition").

1. National Cancer Institute - Eating Hints: Before, During, and After Cancer Treatment
• Provides guidance on nutritional needs throughout the cancer treatment journey.

Website: National Cancer Institute (search for "eating hints").

UK Resources

1. Cancer Research UK - What is a Healthy Diet?
• Explains the components of a healthy diet that can lower cancer risk, emphasising fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy protein sources.

Website: Cancer Research UK.

1. Maggie's Centres - Nutrition and Cancer
• Provides information on how to eat well before, during, and after cancer treatment, including tips for managing appetite changes.

Website: Maggie's.