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Disclaimer:  This information is not meant as direct medical advice. Readers should always review options with their local medical team. This is the sole opinion of Dr. Meakin based on literature review at the time of the blog and may change as new evidence evolves.

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Writer's pictureCoach Chuck
1 day ago6 min read

The Core 4 Supplements for Cancer Patients: Enhancing Treatment and Quality of Life

In the quest to improve cancer treatment outcomes and patients' quality of life, a group of four key supplements — The Core 4 — has substantial research supporting their use. Omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins K2 and D3, and melatonin have demonstrated potential in supporting general health and providing therapeutic benefits specific to cancer patients. Let's explore the scientific evidence and justifications behind these supplements, emphasizing their roles in addressing inflammation, enhancing immune function, and improving the efficacy of conventional cancer therapies. 

Coach It Forward Chuck - Meakin Metabolic Care - Wooden sauna interior with bench seating, an open window revealing snow-covered mountains. Natural light creates a calm, cozy atmosphere.

Core 4 Supplement Number 1: OMEGA-3 FATTY ACIDS

Tackling Chronic Inflammation

The first supplement we will discuss is omega-3 fatty acids. In the modern diet, we consume two main types of fatty acids: omega-3s and omega-6s. Although their names are similar, they are far from created equal. Omega-6 fatty acids, commonly found in processed foods and seed oils, can promote inflammation and have been linked to colorectal and prostate cancer (1)(2). Conversely, Omega-3 fatty acids from sources like fish, olive oil, and avocados offer a potent anti-inflammatory effect and slow the growth of the same cancers activated by Omega-6 (1)(2). Controlling inflammation is vital in preventing and treating cancer, making omega-3 fatty acids a critical supplement (3). The exact mechanism behind omega-3's anti-inflammatory effects comes from its derivatives, such as protectins, resolvins, and lipoxins. These compounds are known as "specialized pro-resolving mediators" (SPMs) because their job in the body is to mediate acute inflammatory responses and promote their resolution by returning the body to homeostasis after inflammation has occurred (4).   Omega-3 fatty acids are liquid at room temperature and thus the preferred building blocks for membranes around the body, especially the nervous system, as much needed after many cancer therapies (5). These natural anti-inflammatory effects and structural characteristics make Omega-3 fatty acids a recommended supplement in the Core 4.


Coach It Forward Chuck - Meakin Metabolic Care - Foods containing Omega 3s, Vitamin K2 and D3

Core 4 Supplement Number 2 and 3: VITAMINS K2 and D3

A Synergistic Duo Against Cancer

The power couple of Core 4 combines vitamins K2 and D3; these vitamins work together to improve bone and cardiovascular health while demonstrating anti-cancer effects. Vitamin D3 enhances calcium absorption, while K2 ensures calcium is guided to bones, ultimately improving their density and strength (6). By doing this, K2 prevents calcium deposition in the arteries, thus reducing the risk of arterial calcification and heart disease [6]. These synergistic benefits extend to cancer patients as well, with K2 specifically showing a capability to inhibit the growth of and, in some cases, induce cell cycle arrest in multiple cancer cell lines, such as hepatocellular carcinoma, leukemia, colorectal cancer, ovarian cancer, pancreatic cancer, and lung cancer (7). But that's just K2, as a pair of K2 and vitamin D3 showed synergistic effects in reducing viability and inducing cell cycle arrest in triple-negative breast cancer (8). These two are a match made in heaven! Research is ongoing to fully understand how these vitamins may suppress tumor growth and enhance each other's anti-cancer traits. Still, we continue to see excellent results when these two are paired (8). Speaking of combinations, the DO-Health European study randomizing vitamin D3(2gm/day), Omega 3 (1gram/day), and strength exercises produced a 61 percent reduction in cancer incidence in only 3 years versus placebo and dual arm combinations (9). So when using the Core 4, don’t forget the resistance training 3 days a week.



Core 4 Supplement Number 4: MELATONIN

From Sleep Aid to Cancer Therapy

Melatonin, often recognized for regulating sleep, also significantly improves the quality of life for cancer patients. By alleviating insomnia, reducing fatigue, and enhancing cognitive function, melatonin addresses common side effects of cancer and its treatments, enabling patients to feel more rested and resilient (10)(11)(12). Additionally, its antioxidant properties provide systemic protection by mitigating oxidative stress, potentially reducing DNA damage and cellular dysfunction (13). Beyond its supportive effects, melatonin has exhibited anti-cancer properties in pre-clinical research (10). These studies suggest it may improve tumor response rates, inhibit cancer cell growth, and promote apoptosis in malignant cells (13). In glioblastoma models, melatonin's ability to induce oxidative stress selectively in cancer cells highlights its benefit as an adjunct therapy (14). The foremost reason melatonin is in the Core 4 is how it can enhance the efficacy of chemotherapy and radiotherapy while minimizing their side effects (12). Patients with late-stage advanced breast cancer who were taking 20 mg of melatonin a night more than doubled their one-year survival rate and had a significantly better tumor response rate (12). This makes melatonin a versatile and powerful component of integrated cancer care. With recommended doses typically ranging from 1 to 20 mg daily, melatonin's dual benefits as a quality-of-life enhancer and potential anti-cancer agent solidify its role in comprehensive treatment strategies.


Conclusion

The "Core 4" supplements include:

  • Omega-3 fatty acids

  • Vitamin K2

  • Viatmin D3

  • Melatonin


The "Core 4" offer a comprehensive approach to supporting cancer patients. These supplements act as complementary therapies that align with conventional treatments by addressing inflammation, optimizing immune and cardiovascular health, and potentially inhibiting cancer progression. As ongoing research continues to reveal their full potential, incorporating these supplements into a personalized care plan offers hope for improving outcomes and enhancing the quality of life for cancer patients.


Although these four are generally safe in oncology treatment scenarios, it's essential to consult your local care team before introducing any new medications. Patients can take proactive steps toward better health and well-being by making informed choices.


At MeakinMetabolicCare.com, we organize the best product choices for the Core4 in all our patients,


Stay strong and curious, and be your own best doctor,

Chuck Meakin MD




Disclaimer: This information is not meant as direct medical advice. Readers should always review options with their local medical team. This is the sole opinion of Dr. Meakin based on a literature review at the time of the blog and may change as new evidence evolves.


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Citations

  1. Gunnars, K. (2023, October 31). How to optimize your omega-6 to omega-3 ratio. Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/optimize-omega-6-omega-3-ratio

  2. Robertson, R. (2023, May 19). Omega-3-6-9 fatty acids: A complete overview. Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/omega-3-6-9-overview

  3. Singh, N., Baby, D., Rajguru, J. P., Patil, P. B., Thakkannavar, S. S., & Pujari, V. B. (2019). Inflammation and cancer. Annals of African medicine, 18(3), 121–126. https://doi.org/10.4103/aam.aam_56_18

  4. Julliard, W. A., Myo, Y. P. A., Perelas, A., Jackson, P. D., Thatcher, T. H., & Sime, P. J. (2022). Specialized pro-resolving mediators as modulators of immune responses. Seminars in immunology, 59, 101605. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.smim.2022.101605

  5. Calder P. C. (2010). Omega-3 fatty acids and inflammatory processes. Nutrients, 2(3), 355–374. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu2030355

  6. van Ballegooijen, A. J., Pilz, S., Tomaschitz, A., Grübler, M. R., & Verheyen, N. (2017). The Synergistic Interplay between Vitamins D and K for Bone and Cardiovascular Health: A Narrative Review. International journal of endocrinology, 2017, 7454376. https://doi.org/10.1155/2017/7454376

  7. Xv, F., Chen, J., Duan, L., & Li, S. (2018). Research progress on the anticancer effects of vitamin K2 (Review). Oncology Letters, 15, 8926-8934. https://doi.org/10.3892/ol.2018.8502

  8. Narvaez, C. J., Bak, M. J., Salman, N., & Welsh, J. (2023). Vitamin K2 enhances the tumor suppressive effects of 1,25(OH)2D3in triple negative breast cancer cells. The Journal of steroid biochemistry and molecular biology, 231, 106307. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsbmb.2023.106307

  9. Bischoff-Ferrari, H. A., Willett, W. C., Manson, J. E., Dawson-Hughes, B., Manz, M. G., Theiler, R., Braendle, K., Vellas, B., Rizzoli, R., Kressig, R. W., Staehelin, H. B., Da Silva, J. A. P., Armbrecht, G., Egli, A., Kanis, J. A., Orav, E. J., & Gaengler, S. (2022). Combined Vitamin D, Omega-3 Fatty Acids, and a Simple Home Exercise Program May Reduce Cancer Risk Among Active Adults Aged 70 and Older: A Randomized Clinical Trial. Frontiers in aging, 3, 852643. https://doi.org/10.3389/fragi.2022.852643

  10. Sookprasert, A., Johns, N. P., Phunmanee, A., Pongthai, P., Cheawchanwattana, A., Johns, J., Konsil, J., Plaimee, P., Porasuphatana, S., & Jitpimolmard, S. (2014, December 1). Melatonin in patients with cancer receiving chemotherapy: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Anticancer Research. https://ar.iiarjournals.org/content/34/12/7327

  11. Nimee, F., Gioxari, A., Papandreou, P., Amerikanou, C., Karageorgopoulou, S., Kaliora, A. C., & Skouroliakou, M. (2024). The Effect of Melatonin Supplementation on Cancer-Related Fatigue during Chemotherapy Treatment of Breast Cancer Patients: A Double-Blind, Randomized Controlled Study. Cancers, 16(4), 802. https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers16040802

  12. Thompson, R. (2024, October). Melatonin: Potential Anti-Cancer Effects. LIFE EXTENSION. https://www.lifeextension.com/magazine/2024/11/melatonins-potential-anti-cancer-effects

  13. Stępniak, J., & Karbownik-Lewińska, M. (2024). Protective Effects of Melatonin against Carcinogen-Induced Oxidative Damage in the Thyroid. Cancers, 16(9), 1646.

  14. Moretti, E., Favero, G., Rodella, L. F., & Rezzani, R. (2020). Melatonin's Antineoplastic Potential Against Glioblastoma. Cells, 9(3), 599. https://doi.org/10.3390/cells9030599

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