Ask the Nutritionist
Q: During chemotherapy, should I avoid taking multivitamins and minerals?
SKG, Worcester, Massachusetts
A: If you are eating well during treatment, you are getting the necessary vitamins and minerals through your diet and we wouldn't recommend a multivitamin. However, if you are having trouble eating due to treatment side effects, a multivitamin with no more than 100% of your daily needs can help supplement your diet.
During chemotherapy, you should avoid any individual (not just in the multivitamin) antioxidant supplements such as beta-carotene, niacin, selenium, vitamin C and B, coenzyme Q10 and zinc.