Ask the Nutritionist
Q: I had a lumpectomy and my treatment is 6 weeks of radiation, and tamoxifen for 5 years. Currently I take 10 mg of Lexapro, one multi-vitamin, and 2400 mg of omega 3 fish oil. Is this okay?
Brenda, South Dartmouth, Massachusetts
A: A standard multivitamin and fish oil are safe to take two weeks after surgery and during radiation as well as when you begin tamoxifen.
Check to be sure your multivitamin contains approximately 100 percent of the daily recommended intake (DRI); many have increased the levels of antioxidants and other components, which would not be recommended during treatment.
You may also want to add calcium and vitamin D supplementation.