Good morning,
I have been taking Tamoxifen for a year now (no more chimo or radiotherapy for a year too) and I was wondering about food supplements. I know that it's ok to take vitamin D. I had shop bought Kombucha before and I'm thinking about drinking homemade Kombucha as it's suppose to be good for you. Is it ok for me to drink it? Is there any supplement that I should avoid or simply shouldn't take with Tamoxifen as it would reduce its effect? Thank you
Hi Daxy ,
My name is Amy, and I am one of the Cancer Information Nurse Specialists on the Macmillan Support Line. Thanks for posting your question. I hope you are finding our online community a safe and supportive environment.
It’s great you are trying to explore all the ways to manage symptoms/ side effects and help support overall wellbeing. But you are right to reach out and check what is safe. Even seemingly harmless herbal or over the counter supplements can interact with medication and make it more, or less, effective.
We would always recommend speaking to your cancer team, local Macmillan Pharmacist or GP before starting any new medication or supplement.
When taking Tamoxifen, we do know you should avoid grapefruit, turmeric (especially concentrated supplements), Black cohosh, St John’s Wort and Ginseng as they can all interfere with the liver’s enzymes and how the body effectively converts and absorbs the active ingredients of the tamoxifen.
Owise have more detailed information that explains why each of these food products/ supplements should be avoided.
Although Kombucha has been gaining in popularity all over the world for its health benefits, the research does not confirm this. Studies have shown promising results in animal studies, but human study benefits are still lacking. It’s also important to note that homemade Kombucha can be easily and accidently contaminated causing undesirable and serious side effects.
I hope this helps and please do get back in touch if you need any more information or support.
Best wishes,
Amy C, Cancer Information Nurse Specialist
You can also speak with the Macmillan Support Line team of experts. Phone free on 0808 808 0000 (7 days a week, 8am-8pm) or send us an email.
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