Breast cancer and vitamins

Hi there, I've just finished chemo for Her2 negative breast cancer.

I was looking at vitamins, best to take etc and came across you shouldn't take b13 and iron as it can heighten the risk of reacurance of breast cancer. I have been taking both through chemo and also mentioned from the start what vits I've been taken... Seeing this has petrified me.

I'm stopping as from today, but any experience from others would be appreciated. Big hugs ️

  • Hi happyhigham and thanks for posting,

    It can be worrying when coming across information related to treatment, especially when it is telling us that what we have been doing might not be the right thing.

    I have been looking for the information that you found. I have only been able to find one study which looked at women who had a high risk of recurrence of breast cancer anyway, without taking B12 and Iron supplements.

    There were also some other parts of the study which meant that the conclusion about B12 and iron supplements during breast cancer treatment may not be certain.   

    I have not been able to find any information about this anywhere else although I am limited in what I can access. We do have some information about complementary and alternative therapies here which does mention Vitamins A,C and E.  It does not include B12 and iron supplements.

    You could speak to your doctor or specialist nurse and ask them about B12 and iron supplements with the treatment that you have been having.  They will be able to discuss this in more detail with you as they know the regime you have been on and have been part of your care.

    You have posted in the 'Ask the Nurses' section of the website.  You may find that you have more responses if you post in another section of Cancer Chat.  But remember everyone's situation is different, and what is helpful for one person may not work for another.

    I hope this is helpful.  You might like to talk things through with one of the nurses on our helpline.  The number to call is Freephone 0808 800 4040 and the lines are open from 9am till 5pm Monday to Friday.

    Take care,

    Rachel