Effects of Antioxidant Dietary Supplement Use upon Response to Cancer Treatment: A Scoping Review of Available Evidence.

Our assessment

This review examined whether antioxidant dietary supplements affect how well cancer treatments work. Researchers searched six databases from the start of records through August 19, 2022, looking for systematic reviews of randomized controlled trials. They focused on patients receiving curative chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or other biological therapy for cancer. The study design is a scoping review, meaning it maps out the available evidence rather than producing new experimental results NIH ODS ↗.

How it works

The key question is whether taking antioxidant supplements — like vitamins C, E, or selenium — during cancer treatment helps or hinders the therapy. The review aimed to summarize what existing systematic reviews say about this. For you, this means that if you or someone you know is undergoing cancer treatment, the evidence on taking antioxidant supplements is still being mapped out. The review does not provide a final answer, but it highlights that this is an active area of research where clear guidance is not yet available NIH ODS ↗.

Safety profile

Data not available. The review did not provide specific side effect reports or adverse event counts from the FDA or other sources. It focused on summarizing study designs and findings, not on individual supplement safety profiles FDA FAERS ↗.

Our recommendation

Based on this review, the relationship between antioxidant supplements and cancer treatment response is not yet fully understood. Do not start or stop any supplement during cancer treatment without first discussing it with your oncology team. The review was published in 2024 and covers literature up to August 2022, so newer studies may exist NIH ODS ↗.