Researchers in Jordan wanted to understand if taking vitamin and mineral supplements helps cancer patients feel better overall. They asked 220 cancer patients about what supplements they take and how they’re doing physically and emotionally. About two-thirds of the patients were using supplements, mostly vitamin D, calcium, and omega-3 fatty acids. The study found that patients who took supplements reported better quality of life compared to those who didn’t. However, the researchers emphasize that more long-term studies are needed to fully understand how supplements affect cancer patients over time, and that patients should always talk to their doctors before starting any supplements.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: Whether cancer patients who take nutritional supplements (like vitamins and minerals) report feeling better and having a better quality of life than those who don’t take supplements.
  • Who participated: 220 cancer patients from three major hospitals in Jordan. The group included people of different ages, genders, income levels, and education backgrounds.
  • Key finding: About 66 out of every 100 cancer patients studied were taking supplements. Those taking supplements reported better quality of life scores compared to those not taking them (this difference was statistically significant, meaning it’s unlikely to be due to chance).
  • What it means for you: If you’re a cancer patient, supplements may help you feel better, but this doesn’t mean you should start taking them without talking to your doctor first. Your healthcare team needs to know what you’re taking because some supplements can interfere with cancer treatments.

The Research Details

This was a cross-sectional study, which is like taking a snapshot in time. Researchers visited three major hospitals in Jordan and asked 220 cancer patients to fill out detailed questionnaires about what supplements they take and how they’re feeling. They asked about physical symptoms like pain and fatigue, as well as emotional well-being. The researchers used a standard quality-of-life measurement tool called the EORTC QLQ-C15 scale, which is widely used in cancer research around the world.

The researchers then looked for patterns in the data. They examined whether certain groups of people (like men versus women, or younger versus older patients) were more likely to take supplements. They also used statistical tests to see if there was a real connection between taking supplements and reporting better quality of life.

This approach is useful because it shows what’s actually happening in real hospitals with real patients. By studying people at the moment they’re receiving cancer care, researchers can understand current practices and how patients are managing their health. The quality-of-life measurement tool used is recognized internationally, which means the results can be compared to other studies around the world.

This study has some strengths: it included a decent number of participants (220), used a validated measurement tool, and was conducted in real hospital settings. However, because it’s a snapshot study, it can only show associations, not prove that supplements directly cause better quality of life. The study was done only in Jordan, so results might be different in other countries with different healthcare systems and populations. The researchers themselves note that longer-term studies following patients over months or years would provide stronger evidence.

What the Results Show

The most striking finding was that nearly two-thirds (65.9%) of the cancer patients in this study were already taking some kind of nutritional supplement. The most popular supplements were vitamin D, calcium, and omega-3 fatty acids. These three make sense because cancer patients often have deficiencies in these nutrients due to their disease and treatments.

When researchers compared patients who took supplements to those who didn’t, they found that supplement users reported better quality of life overall. This included feeling less fatigue, having better appetite, and experiencing less emotional distress. The difference was statistically significant (p = 0.028), meaning there’s only about a 3% chance this result happened by random chance.

Interestingly, supplement use was more common among certain groups: older patients, women, people with higher incomes, and people with more education. This suggests that access to information and financial resources may play a role in whether patients use supplements.

The study found that different types of patients had different supplement-taking patterns. Age, gender, income level, and education all influenced whether someone took supplements. This is important because it suggests that not all cancer patients have equal access to or knowledge about supplements. Patients with more education and higher income were more likely to be taking supplements, which could mean they have better access to information or can afford to buy supplements.

This research adds to a growing body of evidence suggesting that nutritional support may help cancer patients feel better. Previous studies have shown that certain vitamins and minerals are important for cancer patients, but there’s been less research specifically looking at whether supplement use improves overall quality of life in Middle Eastern populations. This study fills that gap by showing that the pattern of supplement use and its benefits appears similar in Jordan to what’s been seen in other countries.

This study has several important limitations to keep in mind. First, it only shows a connection between supplements and better quality of life—it doesn’t prove that the supplements caused the improvement. Patients who take supplements might also be doing other healthy things that improve their quality of life. Second, the study was done at one point in time, so we don’t know if the benefits last long-term or if they change over time. Third, the study only included patients in Jordan, so the results might not apply to cancer patients in other countries with different healthcare systems. Finally, the study didn’t look at whether certain supplements work better than others, or what doses patients were taking.

The Bottom Line

If you’re a cancer patient, talk to your doctor or a registered dietitian before starting any supplements. While this study suggests supplements may help with quality of life, your healthcare team needs to know what you’re taking because some supplements can interfere with chemotherapy or other cancer treatments. If your doctor agrees, vitamin D, calcium, and omega-3 supplements appear to be commonly used and may be worth discussing. Confidence level: Moderate—this is one study showing an association, not definitive proof.

This research is most relevant to cancer patients, especially those experiencing fatigue, poor appetite, or emotional distress. It’s also important for cancer doctors, nurses, and nutritionists who work with patients. Family members of cancer patients may find this helpful for understanding why their loved one might want to take supplements. However, if you don’t have cancer, this study doesn’t directly apply to you.

Based on this research, we can’t say exactly how long it takes to feel better from supplements because this was a snapshot study. However, most nutritional benefits typically take several weeks to a few months to become noticeable. You should discuss realistic timelines with your healthcare provider, as everyone’s body responds differently.

Want to Apply This Research?

  • Track daily supplement intake (which supplements, dosage, and time taken) alongside quality-of-life markers like energy level (1-10 scale), appetite, sleep quality, and mood. Record this weekly to spot patterns over time.
  • If approved by your doctor, set a daily reminder to take your supplements at the same time each day. Use the app to log which supplements you’re taking and note any changes in how you feel—energy, appetite, or mood—to help you and your healthcare team understand what’s working.
  • Create a monthly quality-of-life check-in within the app where you rate your physical symptoms, emotional well-being, and overall satisfaction with life. Compare these ratings month-to-month to see if your supplement routine is making a real difference for you personally. Share these trends with your doctor at appointments.

This research shows an association between supplement use and better quality of life in cancer patients, but it does not prove that supplements caused the improvement. Before starting any supplements, you must consult with your oncologist or healthcare provider, as some supplements can interfere with cancer treatments or medications. This information is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Individual results vary, and what works for one person may not work for another. Always inform your healthcare team about all supplements you’re taking.