vitamin supplements

A friend has suggested taking an oxygen supplement for more eneregy while taking chemo. Will this in any way interfere with results of chemo? What about other vitamin supplements?

[CCF-RN,MSN-JS]

Dear grandmajr, Supplements vary in regard to the specific ingredients and there may be known risks and side effects to particular ingredients, but there also may be unknown risks. It is always recommended to discuss a particular supplement with your doctor or health are professional as to whether there might be a contraindication in your specific situation.

I'm not sure what your friend was suggesting in terms of "oxygen" supplement, there is no pill form of oxygen.  They may have been talking about enhancing the red blood cells which are the oxygen carrying cells of your body.  If someone becomes anemic (low red blood cells) during chemotherapy, there are growth factor medications that can help to treat the anemia which may increase energy.  These medications are given in the form of an injection.  But again, to treat anemia, not as an "energy booster".