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Collagen and Protein Supplements

Kobe16
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Hello,

I hope that this is the right place to ask my question. If not, please could you point me in the direction that I need?

I had breast cancer in May 2021. The cancer was removed and it hadn't spread. I had 13 chemotherapy sessions and radiotherapy too. I am not in any cancer related medication.

I would like to start taking collagen and protein supplements to support my bones, muscles, skin etc and help me to maintain a good level of fitness. However, I don't know whether this is safe to do given my cancer background.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated, thank you.

  • Hi Kobe16

    My name is Lynsay, and I am one of the Cancer Information nurses on the Macmillan Support line. Welcome to our online community, I hope you find this to be a helpful and supportive environment.

    Maintaining a good level of fitness has numerous health benefits and is a really positive goal which promotes physical and mental health and wellbeing.

    There is also a lot of advice around the ways to do this, and this advice can vary. I have attached our information around physical activity and health eating just in case this is helpful.

    In relation to taking supplements like collagen, it is unfortunately really difficult to either provide advice or direct you to further advice. The reason for this is that we don’t currently have a strong evidence base relating to the benefits or possible risks of taking supplements after having had treatment for breast cancer.

    We tend to advise that having a good balanced diet can generally provide the body with the nutrients needed, in a form the body can readily absorb. When people’s dietary intake is limited for whatever reason we would then advise seeking advice from a dietician to support with supplementing what may be missing.

    We have some information on supplements in general, but we don’t have information around collagen specifically. When I searched for more specific information, I only found US based sites. I have included a resource that provides a bit more information around collagen from MD Anderson cancer centre as this information has been medically reviewed.

    In terms of seeking further advice, it might be helpful to speak to your local pharmacist, although again the problem is the limited research and lack of an evidence base makes it difficult for recommendations to be made.

    I hope this is helpful. Please do feel free to get back in touch in there is anything else we can help with.

    All the best

    Lynsay

    Macmillan 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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