Recommendation |
Rationale |
Notes |
Coenzyme Q10; 50-200 mg/day. |
This antioxidant may help fight cancer and other diseases linked to damage by free radicals. |
May take eight weeks or longer to have an effect, so experts recommend long-term use. |
Folate; 400 mcg/day. |
May protect against breast cancer in some women. |
At least 600 mcg of folate daily may help decrease breast-cancer risk in women who drink more than 15 grams of alcohol a day. |
Indole-3-carbinol; 150-300 mg/day. |
Stimulates enzymes that may slow tumor growth. |
Not recommended for pregnant or nursing women; food sources include broccoli, cabbage, kale, and turnips. |
Vitamin B12; 500 mcg/day. |
To aid in the proper absorption of nutrients and cell formation. |
Found in brewer's yeast, eggs, milk and other dairy products, seafood, sea vegetables, and soy products. |
Vitamin C; 75 mg/day. |
May help prevent breast cancer. |
To ensure efficient absorption, scatter supplementation throughout the day. |
Vitamin E (mixed tocopherol/tocotrienol complex), containing 400 IU of d-alpha tocopherol; 270 mg/day. |
May protect against cancer because of antioxidant properties. |
Pregnant or nursing women should avoid high dosages; avoid synthetic vitamin E, which is less potent. |
Zinc; 12 mg/day. |
Boosts immune function. |
Very high doses can cause adverse reactions and may even suppress the immune system. |
Note: Larger doses may be necessary for disease management and prevention. Check with your health care practitioner for individualized recommendations.
Sources: Jaime S. Ruud, RD, research analyst in the department of nutritional science and dietetics at the University of Nebraska and author of Nutrition and the Female Athlete (CRC Press, 1996); PDR for Nutritional Supplements (Medical Economics Co., 2001); Breast Cancer Q&A by Charyn Pfeuffer (Penguin Putnam, 2003).