|
|
Omega-3 Supplements and Chemotherapy
Recently, I received an excellent question on using omega-3 supplements during chemotherapy. I wanted to share this question and my comments with the group.
Question: "Will taking omega 3 supplements interfere with chemo treatment?"
Omega-3 dietary supplements are considered safe for most people. This includes most cancer patients who are receiving chemotherapy. However, please remember that you can get too much of a good thing.
When deciding whether omega-3 supplements are right for you, please keep the following in mind:
-
Taking more than 5 to 6 grams of omega-3 fat per day can have blood thinning effects, so do not exceed this amount.
-
More is not better. Research suggests that 2 to 3 grams of omega-3 fat per day is plenty and will provide benefit.
-
If your platelet count (a component of blood) is low, limit your intake of omega-3 fat from supplements to no more than 2 to 3 grams per day.
-
If you are taking blood thinning medications such as Coumadin or heparin, talk to your doctor, nurse, or dietitian before using omega-3 supplements. Many dietary supplements, including omega-3, can interfere with these blood thinning medications.
-
If you do get the OK from your medical team to take omega-3 supplements, do not take more than 2 to 3 grams per day. This will help you avoid negative interactions with your blood thinning medications. More information on Omega-3’s
Omega-3 refers to a type of dietary fat. The best food sources of omega-3 fat are cold water fish, such as salmon and cod, walnuts and flaxseeds, and other nuts and seeds.
Most foods in the typical American diet do not contain much omega-3 fat.
Some people may not get much omega-3 fat from food alone. For this reason, they may decide to take a fish oil supplement to get more of this important nutrient.
One reason why omega-3 fat is healthy is that it can help to lessen inflammation in the body. Some inflammation is good because it helps our body heal from injury and fight infections. However, too much inflammation can lead to damage in our cells and organs, increasing the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, cancer, and stroke.
Cancer and its treatment can increase inflammation in the body as well. This inflammation can lead to weight loss and may increase the negative side effects of cancer treatment. For this reason, some people with cancer decide to take an omega-3 dietary supplement, such as fish oil, to help them feel better and heal faster during and after cancer treatment.
The bottom line is that omega-3 supplements are safe, when used appropriately. Do not take more than 5 to 6 grams per day. If your platelets are low or you are taking blood thinning medications, talk to your doctor first, before you begin taking omega-3 supplements. In these situations, do not use more than 2 to 3 grams of omega-3 fat per day.
Nutritionist Suzanne
Suzanne Dixon, MPH, MS, RD
|
|