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PeopleBeatingCancer

Recently Diagnosed or Relapsed? Stop Looking For a Miracle Cure, and Use Evidence-Based Therapies To Enhance Your Treatment and Prolong Your Remission

Multiple Myeloma an incurable disease, but I have spent the last 25 years in remission using a blend of conventional oncology and evidence-based nutrition, supplementation, and lifestyle therapies from peer-reviewed studies that your oncologist probably hasn't told you about.

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Multiple Myeloma Diagnosis- Do nutritional supplements really work???

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Yes, nutritional supplements “work” for multiple myeloma patients and survivors. I supplement daily (see below) with many of the below and have remained in complete remission since 1999.

Conventional oncology paints a grim picture of a multiple myeloma diagnosis. Extensive research (and my personal experience as a long-term multiple myeloma survivor) has shown that a number of antioxidant, anti-angiogeneic and anti-inflammatory nutritional supplements can both enhance specific chemotherapy regimens (revlimid, velcade, paclitaxel, others) and reduce their toxicity. 

Dr. Bill Li’s Ted Talk linked below explains why nutritional supplements kill cancer.  I take/eat many/most of what Dr. Li talks about (strawberries, dark chocolate, grapefruit) but I also supplement with those “antiangiogenic” or nutritional supplements that have proven to be cytotoxic to multiple myeloma.

These are 4 of the most important nutritional supplements that I take, why I take them, how much I take, what I take, etc.

Multiple Myeloma –  Nutritional Supplementation

I am both a multiple myeloma survivor and MM cancer coach. Scroll down the page to ask a question or make a comment. I will reply to you ASAP.

David Emerson

  • MM Survivor
  • MM Cancer Coach
  • Director PeopleBeatingCancer

Recommended Reading:

Can we eat to starve cancer?

“William Li presents a new way to think about treating cancer and other diseases: anti-angiogenesis, preventing the growth of blood vessels that feed a tumor. The crucial first (and best) step: Eating cancer-fighting foods that cut off the supply lines and beat cancer at its own game.”

Click the title above to watch Dr. Li’s Ted Talk. I found the information revolutionary in managing my own cancer remission.

Antiangiogenic Food List

The informatic below gives a visual explanation of evidence-based research for popular health supplements. While PBC focuses on cancer, I thought I would post this informatic with Dr. Li’s Ted Talk in order to help illustrate some of the issues.

Do Health Supplements Really Work? Infographic

The Most BioAvailable Curcumin Formulas

“Based on a review of these studies, it is evident that better bioavailability of formulated curcumin (CU) products is mostly attributed to improved solubility, stability, and possibly low first-pass metabolism”

A search of the Pubmed database for the word curcumin yields 601 studies spaning health topics from multiple myeloma and colorectal cancer, to chemotherapies that synergizes with CU, to Alzheimer’s Disease, arthritis and more. Based on years of reading studies and personal accounts, I think it is safe to say that CU supplementation is safe and relatively inexpensive.

I have read about myeloma patients taking daily doses of CU from 400 milligrams to 8 grams (1000 milligrams = 1 gram). By almost any measure, CU is a safe, inexpensive wonder drug.

The only challenge is that CU is famously difficult to absorb in the body. In other words, a person has to mix curcumin with some sort of fat (coconut oil, chocolate, etc.) or take a brand of curcumin capsule that is already formulated to be more “bioavailable” in order to derive the full benefit of CU.

The study linked and exerpted below reviews different formulations of CU. The study itself lists the three most bioavailable formulation/brand of CU and I’ve added an excerpt from a further review from Consumerlab.com that lists four additional bioavailable brands of CU.

I consult the independent evaluation service Consumerlab.com frequently. For one low annual payment, I can read about and evaluate all of the nutritional supplement that I take.

David Emerson

  • Myeloma Survivor
  • Cancer Coach
  • Director PeopleBeatingCancer

Recommended Reading:

Curcumin

“CU is a bright yellow chemical produced by some plants. It is the principal curcuminoid of turmeric (Curcuma longa), a member of the ginger family, Zingiberaceae. It is sold as an herbal supplement, cosmetics ingredient, food flavoring, and food coloring.[1]“

Bioavailable curcumin formulations: A review of pharmacokinetic studies in healthy volunteers.

“Curcumin is a widely studied natural compound which has shown tremendous in vitro therapeutic potential. Despite that, the clinical efficacy of the native CU is weak due to its low bioavailability and high metabolism in the gastrointestinal tract. During the last decade, researchers have come up with different formulations with a focus on improving the bioavailability of curcumin. As a result, a significant number of bioavailable curcumin-based formulations were introduced with the varying range of enhanced bioavailability.

The purpose of this review is to collate the published clinical studies of CU products with improved bioavailability over conventional (unformulated) CU. Based on the literature search, 11 curcumin formulations with available human bioavailability and pharmacokinetics data were included in this review. Further, the data on clinical study design, analytical method, pharmacokinetic parameters and other relevant details of each formulation were extracted.

Based on a review of these studies, it is evident that better bioavailability of formulated curcumin products is mostly attributed to improved solubility, stability, and possibly low first-pass metabolism. The review hopes to provide a quick reference guide for anyone looking information on these bioavailable curcumin formulations.

Based on the published reports,

exhibited over 100-fold higher bioavailability relative to reference unformulated CU. Suggested mechanisms accounting for improved bioavailability of the formulations and details on the bioanalysis methods are also discussed.”

According to Consumerlab.com:

“Novasol has the highest bioavailability (185 x compared to unforumulated CU), followed by Curcuwin (136 x), Longvida (100 x), Meriva (48 x), BCM-95 (27 x), Curcumin C3 Complex + Bioperene (20 x), and then Theracumin (16 x).”

Leave a Comment:

20 comments
Myeloma Chemotherapy - Antioxidants Enhance Action - PeopleBeatingCancer says 9 months ago

[…] Myeloma – Do nutritional supplements Really Work? […]

Reply
Milagros says last year

Just got diagnosed with multiple myeloma last month is ginger garlic and moringa supplements good to take

Reply
    David Emerson says last year

    Hi Milagros-

    While I can’t be sure as I don’t know much about your situation, I can say that I take, have taken both ginger and garlic. I don’t know much about moringa supplements.

    David Emerson

    Reply
Multiple Myeloma - Nutritional Supplementation - PeopleBeatingCancer says last year

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Reply
Antonio Munoz says 8 years ago

I have multiple myeloma. M Spike is at 1.4 and IGG at 1800.i would like information on the dosages you use.

Reply
    David Emerson says 8 years ago

    Hi Antonio-

    I am sorry to read of your MM diagnosis. Your numbers look pretty good. Please consider supplementation, integrative, nutritional and lifestyle therapies before you undergo aggressive, toxic high dose therapy (ASCT).

    If you are referring to the supplements listed in the blog post that you came in on titled “Do Supplements Really Work?” I take the dose recommended on each bottle. I will link the brands that I take. Keep in mind that my MM is in remission and I have been taking many of these supplements for years and because of this I take a maintenance dose aka small daily dose. Further, I take many supplements so I don’t want to overdo it.

    I am a long-term MM survivor and cancer coach. In addition to any conventional therapies that you are considering, Please consider learning and pursuing those non-conventional therapies that have keep my in complete remission since 1999.

    I read of fellow MMers taking 4-8 grams of Curcumin for example. The brand linked below is 400 MG. 1 gram = 1000 MG.

    Curcumin (turmeric) as health supplement

    Omega-3 Fatty Acids health benefits

    Vitamin D health benefits

    CoQ10 health benefits

    Let me know if you have any questions.

    David Emerson

    Reply
kathy says 8 years ago

My husband has a free kappa ch of 24.06, rbc 4.4 ABS NRBC .04 amongst others that are out of whack has had CT and MRI’S that show bone marrow lesions severe back, hip and rib pain as well as chronic fatigue he can sleep for days. Scans also showed bone lesions but when scans were done noone did the Light serum tests until now new hematologic dr seemed a little peeved that previous dr really never investigated further.should he have another marrow biopsy last one was a year ago and put on steroids, folic acid and methotrexate and said this should help. I’m worried now that myeloma is going to be diagnosed.should I start him on supplements?

Reply
    David Emerson says 8 years ago

    Hi Kathy-

    It is clear that you have your hand’s full thinking about your husband. You and your onc. are in the best position to decide to conduct diagnostic tests for your husband. Regarding your question “I’m worried now that myeloma is going to be diagnosed.should I start him on supplements?”

    Anti-oxidants or specific polyphenols are basically healthy foods. For your husband to increase his vitamin D3 levels or omega-fatty acid levels, according to studies, should make him healthier. Please check with his doctor but the risk of side effects should be minimal. I have been taking nutritional supplements for years and I continue to remain in complete remission from my MM so I am obviously a proponent of nutritional supplementation.

    If you are interested I am happy to email you specific studies that cite anti-myeloma supplements. I can also include what brand I take at what doses.

    Let me know what you want to do. Thanks.

    David Emerson

    Reply
Hal says 8 years ago

David:….
….I would like to know what supplements would be appropriate for a condition of 20% plasma cells(by non gym cytology)….& kappa/lambda long/short chains are way out of normal range….I can be more specific….but want to make contact first….
I feel well w no lack of energy. I would like to do something to prevent chemo…What would you recommend?…
Best….
Hal

Reply
    David Emerson says 8 years ago

    Hi Hal-

    You are correct. I need more specific info about your situation.

    1) What is your diagnosis?
    2) What symptoms, are you experiencing beside lack of energy?
    3) How old are you?

    There are several nutritional, anti-oxidant, anti-angiogenic supplements that you can take by themselves to kill MM cells or that have shown the ability to enhance chemotherapies such as velcade or revlimid- your choice. I can link studies if you are interested.

    Thanks and let me know,

    David Emerson

    Reply
      Hal A. says 8 years ago

      From Hal
      ….my diagnosis is from latest “bone marrow biopsy & aspirate: ” (1/30/2014) “Normal cellular marrow(40%) showing atypical plasmacytosis, with plasma cells comprising 30%of the marrow elements.”
      “The proportion of atypical plasma cells is consistent with myeloma.”…..from the non gyn cytology, pathology report.
      There are more details from the “Flow Cytometry Cell Marker Studies”….later.
      I am 75.
      What I said this morning was, I don’t have a lack of energy.
      My symptoms are low red/white blood counts but stable; 3.49/&3.4 respectively. Gamma is 2.0….M-SPIKE is 1.9….
      Thanks, back to you.
      Hal

      Reply
        David Emerson says 8 years ago

        Hi Hal-

        Thanks for the info. I will be honest and confess I don’t understand all of path lingo. But if your last biopsy was 20 months ago and you do not have a lack of energy (even though your red/white counts are low) and you have no symptoms such a bone pain I’d say you are doing well. You say that your kappa/lambda is out of whack but your m-spike is also low when compared to other MMers who report numbers in various forums.

        Therefore, to address you question about supplements (this is why you asked, right?) I would offer supplements that have anti myeloma action. Curcumin, resveritrol and omega 3 fatty acids. I will link the studies below. It is important for me to link the “evidence-based research.”
        You can buy any of these supplements on Amazon or go to your local health foods store. Many supermarkets carry supplements these days.

        Curcumin induces cell death of the main molecular myeloma subtypes, particularly the poor prognosis subgroups.
        Resveratrol triggers the pro-apoptotic endoplasmic reticulum stress response and represses pro-survival XBP1 signaling in human multiple myeloma cells.

        Omega-3 fatty acids, EPA and DHA induce apoptosis and enhance drug sensitivity in multiple myeloma cells but not in normal peripheral mononuclear cells.

        Frequent, moderate exercise, plenty of sleep (melatonin), lots of fruits and veggies as well. I can offer links to specific brands and dosages that I take if you are interested. Curcumin in particular is difficult for the body to absorb. Some formulations are more bioavailable than others. Let me know.

        thanks and hang in there.

        David Emerson

        Reply
          Hal says 8 years ago

          Thanks David for your informative& helpful replies. Yes I want to know what dosages/brands you are taking.
          I have been taking fish oil supp’s daily for about 2 years(approximately 1200to2400mg with 2:1 ratio of EPA to DHA daily, with poly phenols also.)
          Recently by reading your web site info I want to try the curcumin 400 mg / day.(your same brand). What do you think of this?….
          I am interested in resveratrol also. What do you recommend? What is it?
          Will it help you to know my latest blood draw results….which specific ones? Free Kappa SRM 653.16, (should be 3.3 to 19.4). Free Lambda SRM 2.56(should be 5.71 to 26.30). Free Lt CH Ratio 234.63 (should be
          .26 to 1.65)….so you see these are way out of normal range….
          I am doing my usual activities plus keeping up walking, and am able to get plenty of rest.
          I have some hip pain but am thinking it is part of my sciatica problem which I have & have been taking PT for.
          Same goes for my shoulders & I assume this is muscle pain.
          Best wishes….
          Hal

          Reply
          David Emerson says 8 years ago

          Hi Hal-
          Fish oil supplementation has many health benefits. Good. Yes, I take curcumin-I take Life Extension Super BioCurcumin as it is supposed to be the most “bioavailable” aka ingested into our blood stream- 400 mg. I will link my page talking about it.

          Resveritrol is also anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory- thoroughly research both independently as well as how it effects certain conventional chemo drugs. I will also link the pbc page talking up resveritrol.

          I try to talk only about what I take as a long term MMer. I have supplemented with fish oil, curcumin and resveritrol for years now. As for the specifics on you numbers, I am weak on the specifics of what numbers mean. I focus more on symptoms such as bone pain. I don’t like oncs or check ups but you may want to go see an onc. to check you bones. Just an idea.

          thanks and let me know if you have other questions.

          David

          Reply
Pam says 8 years ago

Hello,

How many capsules of each supplement do you take for the 4 supplements you recommended as I could not find dosage you took.

Thanks

Reply
    David Emerson says 8 years ago

    Hi Pam-

    Not knowing about your situation I can only tell you what I do and why. Since I have been in complete remission for years know I focus on a maintenance dose as opposed to a loading dose. An example of this idea is that a person with a low serum blood level of Vitamin D. To increase their blood level of vitamin D the person might take 10,000 mg a day for a period of time. I take 1,000 mg a day to maintain a blood level of vitamin D that I consider to be good-

    This is a post I wrote about vitamin D dosing and blood levels. http://peoplebeatingcancer.org/vitamin-d3-how-much-do-i-take-whats-the-right-blood-level/

    For the other supplements I take what I have read to be a low dose. For example for curcumin I take 400mg daily. There are people in various online forums who take 4 to 8 GRAMS. 1000 mgs (milligrams) is 1 gram.

    Resveritrol, green tea extract, etc. all differ depending on the brand, etc. The rating agency consumer lab.com is my resource to explain what supplements to take at what doses.

    Tell me what supplements you want to take, which brands, and I will do a little research to tell you the range of what I find. No cost, this is what I do.

    Thanks

    David Emerson

    Reply
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