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Vitamins, black cohosh for hot flashes?

Page last modified on: October 14, 2008

Question from Debbie: My oncologist suggested 800 IU Vitamin E, 500 mg Vitamin C, B-complex and black cohosh for hot flashes and night sweats. Is there any validity to this?: Answer —Gary Deng, M.D., Ph.D.: This is a combination of several supplements that in some clinical studies has shown some efficacy in reduction of hot flashes. On the other hand, there are also studies of the same agents that did not show efficacy. So at this point, we don't know for sure that they're going to help you. But if the hot flashes are causing a major problem in your quality of life, you can try them. At this dose, they are generally safe. One thing you may want to keep in mind is for people with heart problems, taking more than 400 I.U. of Vitamin E for a prolonged period of time has been associated with some problems with peoples' hearts.

On Wednesday, July 18, 2007, our Ask-the-Expert Online Conference was called Vitamins and Herbal Supplements. Gary Deng, M.D., Ph.D. and moderator Beth Baughman DuPree, M.D., F.A.C.S. answered your questions about how to safely and sensibly incorporate vitamins and supplements into your diet.

The materials presented in these conferences do not necessarily reflect the views of Breastcancer.org. A qualified healthcare professional should be consulted before using any therapeutic product or regimen discussed. All readers should verify all information and data before employing any therapies described here.

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Gary Deng, M.D., Ph.D. is an internist and researcher with the Integrative Medicine Service at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. He is a principal investigator or co-principal investigator in several NIH-funded research projects in the Integrative Medicine Service.

Beth Baughman DuPree, M.D., F.A.C.S. the medical director of the Breast Health Program at Holy Redeemer Health System in Meadowbrook, PA.

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