The ABC's of vitamins

Filed under: All Cancers, Vitamins and nutrients

As a breast cancer survivor, being done with treatments, I wanted to start taking vitamins, eat better and try and protect my body from other kinds of cancer. I found out that taking vitamin supplements was not a good idea when going through chemotherapy as it can react with the drugs and potentially interrupt their action.

After treatments were over I asked my oncologist if I should take this or that supplement that I read about for cancer. He explained to me that there was no scientific proof that taking all these vitamins would protect me. He did suggest a daily vitamin and that would be all I needed.

At this time I'm actually taking Flintstones Chewable tablets! At 36 years old this might sound odd but all you have to do is read the back of the label and see so many important vitamins listed. Its not just for kids, and I do enjoy the fun shapes -- who am I going to get today --Wilma, Fred? exciting stuff.

Seriously though, I have been reading a lot lately about how supplements are not doing the trick and the only way to really get these important nutrients and vitamins is to eat the real thing.

So here are some vitamins we are familiar with, what they do and how you can get the good sources and high levels in the food we find at the supermarket:

• Vitamin A -- prevents eye problems, promotes a healthy immune system, is essential for the growth and development of cells, and keeps skin healthy. Good sources of vitamin A are milk, eggs, liver, fortified cereals, darkly colored orange or green veggies such as carrots, sweet potatoes, pumpkin and kale. Orange fruits such as cantaloupe, apricots, peaches, papayas, and mangos.
• Vitamin C -- needed to form collagen, a tissue that helps to hold cells together. Its essential for healthy bones, teeth, gums and blood vessels. It helps the body absorb iron and calcium, aid in would healing, and contributes to brain function. You'll find high levels of vitamin C in red berries, kiwi, red and green bell peppers, tomatoes, broccoli, spinach, and juices made from guava, grapefruit and orange.
• Vitamin D -- strengthens bones because it helps the body absorb bone-building calcium. This vitamin is unique, your body manufactures it when you get sunlight on your skin. You can also get vitamin D from egg yolks, fish oils, and fortified foods like milk.
• Vitamin E -- an antioxidant and helps protect cells from damage. It is also important for the health of red blood cells. Vitamin E is found in many foods, such as vegetable oils, nuts and green leafy vegetables. Avocados, wheat germ and whole grains are also good sources.
• Vitamin B12 -- Helps to make red blood cells, and is important for nerve cell function. It is naturally found in fish, red meat, poultry, milk, cheese and eggs. Its also added to some breakfast cereals.
• Vitamin B6 -- Important for normal brain function. Its also helps the body break down proteins and make red blood cells. A wide variety of foods contain vitamin B6, including potatoes, bananas, beans, seeds, nuts, red meat, poultry, fish, eggs, spinach, and fortified cereals.

I'm going to fill my day with as much greens, veggies and fruits, knowing that the vitamins and nutrients are coming from the real source. I will still take my Flintstones too, in case I miss any important vitamins since the jury is still out on how helpful supplements really are.

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