Supplements to prevent cancer? They not only don’t work, they can damage your health
Common supplements marketed for cancer prevention — including turmeric, melatonin, and medicinal mushrooms — can cause bleeding, estrogenic effects, CYP-mediated drug interactions, and liver injury. Fred Hutch researchers urge patients to disclose supplement use to oncology teams and are mapping interactions in resources like the NatMed database, while advising whole plant foods over unregulated pills.
Why it mattersFred Hutch flagged bleeding and CYP interactions from turmeric, melatonin, and mushroom supplements; document use during oncology care.
Entities Mentioned
Fred Hutch Cancer Center
People Mentioned
Heather GreenleeDavid PattonDiane Mapes