Do you take supplements? At the moment I take a product called ‘Men’s One™ Energy Multivitamin’ by Rainbow Light. I’ve been wondering how helpful or effective the various ingredients of a multivitamin tablet might be in preventing a re-emergence of my prostate cancer at some time in the future. It doesn’t take more than a few mouse clicks to encounter the confusing and contradictory information available on the web.
Lets start at the top of the list of ingredients: Vitamin A (as 50% Beta Carotene, 50% Palmitate)- 5,000IU. An apparently authoritative study: Serum Vitamin A and Subsequent Development of Prostate Cancer in the First National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey Epidemiologic Follow-up Study tells me that taking Vitamin A is good for Prostate Cancer prevention – ‘a statistically significant trend was observed for increased risk of prostate cancer with decreasing levels of serum vitamin A.’ On the other hand, Vitamin A and prostate cancer in elderly men: enhancement of risk another apparently authoritative study tells me: ‘In the men greater than or equal to 70 years, risk increased directly with the amount of vitamin A consumed’. Admittedly this study reported no increased risk for men under 70.
So does this mean that I take Vitamin A until I’m 70 and then stop??
Lets look at the next ingredient on my list: Vitamin C (as Ascorbic Acid)- 120mg. First up, the Louis Warschaw Prostate Cancer Center at Cedars-Sinai informs me that ‘There is much controversy regarding the relationship between vitamin C intake and prostate cancer risk. Some studies show that increased levels of vitamin C reduce one’s risk for prostate cancer. Other studies show that vitamin C has no effect on this risk.’ But in the very next paragraph we learn that prostate cancer tumors consume large amounts of Vitamin C. Hmmmm!!! Let’s investigate further.
A study entitled ‘Effect of vitamin C on prostate cancer cells in vitro: Effect on cell number, viability, and DNA synthesis‘ concludes: ‘results also suggest that ascorbic acid is a potent anticancer agent for prostate cancer cells.’ (Prostate 32:188-195, 1997. © 1997 Wiley-Liss, Inc.) Sounds promising – but wait: on November 16th Healthday reported on a ten year study of 15,000 men over 50 that determined there was no anti cancer effect from taking Vitamin C.
So where does this lead? It certainly discourages me from researching further down the list of ingredients on the back of my multivitamin pack. I suspect that I will find similar conflicting studies about Vitamins D, E, K, B6 etc, not to mention Calcium, Magnesium and Zinc. It is clear that no one has the final best answer regarding supplements and prostate cancer prevention/treatment.
Twenty-five hundred years ago Gautama Buddha advocated ‘the middle way’. I think I’ll take that advice and apply it here. I’ll continue taking my multivitamin to support general health while making sure that I get good nutrition from a healthy diet. I’ll exercise – in moderation- and get plenty of fresh air and sunlight. I’m still taking donations for the holiday in Hawaii:-)
I have opted for some alternate therapy supplements and I believe they have been beneficial to me. As you are aware, I have final stage cancer with a Gleeson score of 9 and I am being treated purely paliative.
Yesterday, I reviewed my progress with prostate cancer with my local doctor. I told him I felt that, if the rate of decline continues as it has over the last 8 months, I would not expect to survive Christmas 2009. He confided that he was amazed that I was still here for this Christmas. So what are they.
LACTOFERRINS – from the colostrum of cows milk. It is aimed at boosting the immune system which is being degraded by the cancer and the medications.
BOVINE CARTILGE – it is claimed that the cartilage forms a film or skin over the tumor preventing it from developing it’s own blood vessels that connect with the bloodstream thus starving it.
LEMON JUICE – It is claimed that cancers only grow in an anaerobic environment that is acidic. It is further claimed that lemon juice converts to alkaline in the blood stream as do various other foods.
I also take ‘URAL’ fizzy drink sold for alkalizing the urinary tract eliminating that burning sensation whilst having a pee. It consists of citric and tartaric acid and a bit of bi-carb soda. A dash of bi-carb mixed into a glass of lemon juice and water is a refreshing drink in it’s own right.
None of these things interfere with my pain management program and I am surviving longer than my urologist and local doctor had expected. Are the beneficial … You tell me
Dear Peter,
It has been awhile since your last post. I am hopeful that this means you are too busy involved in life and will get to it later. I have read with interest about your journey and also have noted that OTH is not scheduled for Omega. I am trying to figure out why I feel strongly about that past experience.
Please know that you are in my prayers. I am convinced that positive thoughts create that same outcome. I pray for loving and healing Light to surround you. I pray for your full return to what it is you love and for discovering new loves.
Please let me know how you are. My heart is sending you oodles of whatever it is you need. Love, Karen
There are tons of conflicting studies out there, but hopefully with a balanced diet, and maybe some advice from your doctor or a nutritionist, you can find the proper balance.
Eat healthy. That means a moderate amount of everything, especially in salt and sugar. Keep a well balanced diet. Overdosing in salt does harm in the urinary system, and nothing complicates a weak prostate than problems in the kidney.
Peter,
I am concerned that you have not posted this year.
Are you still in the fight