Lung Cancer Diets low in fruits and vegetables have been shown to increase lung cancer risk, even after accounting for the fact that smokers tend to have poorer diets than nonsmokers.177 This observation led to the idea that perhaps the antioxidant nutrient beta carotene, found in fruits and vegetables, might reduce lung cancer risk if taken in high doses. However, two large randomized controlled trials showed increased risk with high-dose beta carotene supplementation.106,107 The possible impact (either beneficial or harmful) of nutritional supplements after the diagnosis of lung cancer has not been studied. Selenium The only nutritional supplement found to have a beneficial effect on lung cancer incidence has been selenium. In a study intended to assess the impact of selenium (200 mcg per day) on skin cancer, it was observed that fewer lung cancer cases (and deaths) occurred in the group given selenium.171 This observation is now being formally tested in a trial of selenium after the diagnosis of early-stage lung cancer to determine whether selenium might have benefits with respect to lung cancer prognosis and/or the development of second primary cancers.177 In an earlier study, despite experimental animal evidence of a possible benefit of vitamin A on the course of lung cancer, vitamin A was found not to be beneficial as an adjunct to lung cancer treatment.178 Nutrition During and After Lung Cancer Treatment Lung cancer treatment (i.e., surgery, radiation, chemotherapy) is often aggressive and causes side effects such as esophagitis resulting in dysphagia, fatigue, nausea, and vomiting that can impinge on nutritional well-being. Many survivors exihibit low blood nutrient levels, even before diagnosis, due to inadequate diets and/or to the adverse effects of smoking on micronutrients. It is important, therefore, to make special efforts to regain nutritional health during treatment and recovery. Clinical trials testing the effects of dietary and physical activity/exercise interventions specifically with lung cancer patients are needed. During treatment and the immediate recovery period, lung cancer survivors may benefit from eating foods that provide concentrated calories and are easy to swallow. Small, frequent meals may be easier to manage than three large meals per day. Because intake of fruits and vegetables is strongly associated with prevention of lung cancer, it is reasonable to expect that such benefits might carry over into treatment and recovery. Survivors may need extra help with dietary intake, and may benefit from appetite stimulants, and from juicing fruits and vegetables. Nutritional supplements may be especially helpful as dietary adjuncts. Homemade drinks and shakes and commercially produced formulas (e.g., Boost,® Ensure,® Resource,® or NuBasics®) can be used to augment healthy diets when needed to compensate for increased nutritional needs. Ann's NOTE: green drinks suggested. Survivors frequently exhibit nutrient deficiencies and cannot eat enough to adequately meet micronutrient needs. In such situations, a multivitamin-multimineral supplement is advisable, either in pill or liquid form. High doses of vitamins and minerals, however, should be used cautiously. Remember we are NOT Doctors and have NO medical training. This site is like an Encylopedia - there are many pages, many links on many topics. Support our work with any size DONATION - see left side of any page - for how to donate. You can help raise awareness of CAM.