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A MyBCTeam Member asked a question 💭
Hartford, CT

Oncologist said not to use women's multivitamin because they have soy and some other menopause side effect helper ingredient. Obviously I was not paying close enough attention. I am 50 but pre-menopausal. Anyone get a specific recommendation for multivitamin while on Tamoxifen?

September 4, 2016
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A MyBCTeam Member

I asked my ONC about all of my vitamins and he said even though they were antioxidants they were OK in normal doses. He said to avoid any supplements with mega doses. From what I have read about soy it is the processed form of soy you need to avoid that is in a lot of protein bars, protein powders and processed food. My doctor said normal amounts of tofu is OK in my diet. When I buy veggie burgers, I look for pea protein not soy. Soy can be an estrogen mimic.

September 4, 2016
A MyBCTeam Member

@A MyBCTeam Member - I agree with you, I wish there was a consensus on what we should and shouldn't take. I was told no Vitamin C while in chemo (don't remember why) but the others you mentioned they agreed with. I was just taking calcium with D3 and my second opinion oncologist said to have my primary onc test my vitamin D levels. She tested it and I came in very low at 20.5 so she said just add 800 units a day. Second opinion guy said "no way" that won't do anything - add 4000 units a day. Primary didn't seem concerned at all yet second opinion guy thought it was important.

September 4, 2016
A MyBCTeam Member

My ono logistics said no multivitamins or supplements while on Letrozole (I'm post menapausal. )

As for soy,he said it's a fallacy since women of Asian decent do not have higher breast cancer rates.

This gets better.Spoke to my Breast surgeon and his nutritionist who believe soy should be avoided if you're estrogen positive. I dumped out all processed food from my diet in order to avoid soy fiber,soybean oil, soy lecithin etc.

Yet,they believe in taking only certain supplements. Vitamin C,E,B Complex,D3. So far I haven't taken any.
If your dr is allowing you to take a multivitamin there are many which do not have any soy or soy derivatives.

I wish there would be a general consensus on this.

Hugs, Cindy

September 4, 2016
A MyBCTeam Member

@A MyBCTeam Member If you need the mg amounts for the vitamins let me know. He has a basic list on a hand out.I have it in my papers. Cindy

September 4, 2016
A MyBCTeam Member

I was taking Centrum Vitatabs but my oncologist said to stop taking them, said multi vitamins are a waste of money :/ Instead he has me on various supplements catered to my needs per my blood work and type of chemo.

September 4, 2016

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