Onkológia 3/2021

Supplementation of micronutriens in cancer patients

Dietary supplements are widely used among cancer patients, while approximately 30-90% cancer patients supplement their diets with antioxidant and immunomodulatory micronutrients. However, from oncological viewpoint, certain concerns exist regarding potential contraindications of dietary supplements during anticancer treatment and potential decrease of effectiveness of chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Recent studies however suggest enhanced tolerance of anticancer treatment and lower rate of tratment prolongings when some types of micronutrients are supplemented. In every patient’s case, administrating dietary supplements of any kind during anticancer treatment should be approved by patient’s physician and should not be contraindicated with anticancer treatment.

Keywords: micronutrients, dietary supplements, supplementation, oncology, nutrition therapy