Dietary supplement use by individuals living with and beyond breast, prostate, and colorectal cancer: A cross‐sectional survey

Abstract

Background Dietary supplements (DSs) are not recommended for the prevention of cancer recurrence. Although DS use is common in individuals living with and beyond cancer, its associations with beliefs about reduced cancer recurrence risk and demographic and health behaviors are unclear. Methods Adults (18 years old or older) who had been diagnosed with breast, prostate, or colorectal cancer were recruited through National Health Service sites in Essex and London. Participants completed a mailed survey and telephone or online 24‐hour dietary recalls (MyFood24). Supplement use was collected during the dietary recalls. Associations between DS use and demographics, health behaviors, and beliefs about DSs and cancer were explored. Results Nineteen percent of 1049 individuals believed that DSs were important for the reduction of cancer recurrence risk, and 40% of individuals reported DS use. DS use was positively associated with being female (odds ratio [OR], 2.48; confidence interval [CI], 1.72‐3.56), meeting 5‐a‐day fruit and vegetable recommendations (OR, 1.36; CI, 1.02‐1.82), and believing that DSs were important for reducing cancer recurrence risk (OR, 3.13; CI, 2.35‐4.18). DS use was negatively associated with having obesity (OR, 0.58; CI, 0.38‐0.87). The most commonly taken DSs overall were fish oils (taken by 13%). Calcium with or without vitamin D was the most common DS taken by individuals with breast cancer (15%). Conclusions DS use by individuals living with and beyond cancer is associated with demographic factors and health behaviors. A belief that DSs reduce the risk of cancer recurrence is common and positively associated with DS use. There is a need for health care professionals to provide advice about DS use and cancer recurrence risk.

The Role of Glucosamine and Chondroitin Sulfate in the Prevention of Colorectal Cancer: A Systematic Review

“…When the supplements are paired with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, the results show a statistical significance in the prevention of colorectal cancer [ 22 ]. Furthermore, enforcement of health-promoting behaviors such as regular exercise, being physically active, not smoking, and limiting alcohol use could decrease the chance of colorectal combined with the help of glucosamine and chondroitin [ 26 ].…”

“…A dose and duration-dependent relationship were established. For the Conway et al study, the dosage was inferred according to the European Union of Law [ 26 ].…”

“…A cross-sectional study conducted by Conway et al reported increased use of glucosamine and chondroitin as a preventative measure against colorectal cancer and used as a joint supplement for osteoarthritis [ 26 ]. The majority of the population were female and of Caucasian ethnicity.…”

“…The majority of the population were female and of Caucasian ethnicity. The study indicated more extensive supplement use among women [ 26 ]. Glucosamine and chondroitin observed a more significant decrease in C-reactive protein, especially in females [ 21 ].…”

Awareness of Vitamin and mineral supplements among college students

“…Studies suggest that they aid in amplifying immunity and speedy recovery from illnesses. [ 1 ] Vitamins are basically organic in nature which comes in the form of Vitamin A, B, C, D, E, K, etc., and minerals are chemical compounds such as magnesium, iron, and zinc. These substances must be prescribed in low amounts from the environment only if they cannot be synthesized de novo in the human body or if the rate of formation is deficient for the upkeep of health.…”