MGN-3

In October 1995, I had a right upper lobectomy. My doctor found no trace of spreading. In 1998, the cancer returned perched on the left Adrenal Gland. Surgery removed most but not all of the cancer. In March 1999, I had 25 radiation treatments. Cancer was diagnosed in remission. I started taking MGN-3 immediately after surgery in December 1998. Cancer is still in remission. I don't know for sure whether MGN-3 is responsible for the long remission, but I won't stop using it at this stage. I'm also taking Immunofin, which is supposed to stumulate growth of NK and T cells.
Bob

What is MGN-3? My husband has lung cancer. He went thru chemo and radiation 9 months ago. The Oncologist told him he is stable. If it should start spreading or growing there is nothing they can do. They were not able to remove it because it spread to the lymph nodes.
Can someone tell us what MGN-3 is and who to contact about it?

Thanks.

I am sorry to hear about the cancer. MGN-3 is an antioxidant supplement that boosts "killer cells".

Thx, Dan

My husband has cancer in his chest that spread to his spine. His white blood count was low due to the chemo and I started him on MGN-3. I have to admit that while taking this vitamin he did not have to take the recommended shots to build up his white cell count. When we ran out of the MGN-3, he did have to go back on the shots between chemo sessions. Our Dr. doesn't think that these products are any better than regular over the counter vitamins. My opinion is that they are better and I have reordered them. My daughter told me about MGN-3 when a friend of hers took them while under treatment for an inoperable tumor attached to her aorta. They helped her and I decided it was worth it to give them a try. It was a good decision as far as I am concerned. They gave my husband 6 to 8 weeks to live. It is now 8 months later and he is better than ever.

Can I hear more about this? How often do you take it? What form is it? How is it available? Is there a website?

Kim Dalzell,
Is the IP-6 similar to the MGN-3, would you recommend the IP-6 over the MGN-3, or are they two totally different drugs?

Tommy

Dear Tommy,

IP-6 and MGN-3 are dietary supplements that have reported immune-stimulating
benefits. But that is where the similiarities stop. IP-6 is derived from a
fiber component known as phytic acid and there have been several impressive
anticancer effects demonstrated on animals using this product. MGN-3 is made
from maitake and rice bran. Although I've seen product/consumer literature
on MGN-3 touting its benefits, I have not seen scientific studies conducted
on that particular product.

It is my belief that there is no one "magic" bullet against cancer. You
should aim to stimulate immunity and protect cells with a number of dietary
supplements and foods. I would suggest seeking counsel as to the most
effective dietary supplements based on your individual needs.

Cancer Resource Center, 800.940.2822 offers such services.

Regards,

Kim Dalzell, PhD, RD, LD
Director, Holistic Nutrition Services
Author, Challenge Cancer and Win!

I was diagnosed with urethral cancer in 1998. After surgery in January 2000 I went into remission until a spot showed up in October 2002. I recently began taking MGN-3, Cell Forte with IP-6, vitamin A, Coral Calcium Plus, Selenium, vitamin E, Milk Thistle Extract, and a blend of Sheep Sorrel, Burdock Rood, Slippery Elm Bark and Turkey Rhubarb Root extract (Essiac). I have not seen the doctor yet since I started taking these supplements. Do you see any benefits or any problems w/taking all of these at the same time?

Dear Mary,

I'm very glad that you wrote to Cancer Treatment Centers of America with your question. I say that because your question elicits a response that I believe all cancer patients need to hear.

As many as 81% of all cancer patients take some form of diet or diet supplement therapy, and most (based on my clinical experience over the past 11 years) have told me that they are confused by the conflicting and overwhelming amount of nutrition information that is out there. Many people begin to self-prescribe their own nutrition regimens.

While I believe strongly in proactive nutrition and supplemental therapy for cancer patients, I feel just as strongly that:

1) Doctors should be immediately informed of any changes to the diet or supplements that you are taking. Why? If you develop a reaction (skin rash, pain in joints, etc.) from taking a particular supplement, you would most likely report those symptoms to your doctor, who (not knowing of your supplement usage) might attribute them to treatment toxicity and pull you off of your current chemotherapy or radiation treatments, delay surgery, or treat you with unnecessary medications. You need to communicate to your doctor all that you do so that he or she can best help you recover.

2) Guided nutritional therapy is critical, especially in this world of fast, market savvy information about nutrition. Taking too many supplements and herbs (some of which can interfere with prescription medications or interact with each other), consuming an unsafe or ineffective dosage, or taking the wrong form of a nutrient may delay your recovery and defeat your purpose for beginning a nutrition regimen. Additionally, many dietary supplements are manufactured and sold under the guise of evidence-based medicine and they are nothing more than expensive cure-all promising products that deliver hype and a hefty bill to your door. I recommend that you find a qualified health care professional in your area that has a background both in cancer and nutrition. Or, if you are interested, telephone consultations with oncology nutritionists at Cancer Resource Center 800.940.2882 are available for a fee. These one-hour sessions will guide you about which foods and supplements are safe and effective for your situation. For those individuals who prefer the self-guided approach, my book Challenge Cancer and Win! provides diet and vitamin plans for sixteen different cancers, and includes information on a number of accessory dietary supplements like Essiac tea and shark cartilage.

Because I don't know enough about your individual health situation to make judgements about the supplements you are taking (nor do I know dosages or your particular usage of each), I can't comment on the safety or efficacy of your plan. I can, however, tell you that based on my experience and your list, I believe you probably are taking ineffective dosages or hyped up products. My final advice is: before heading to the health food store, check with a professional. Invest wisely in your health and future!

Healthy Regards,

Kim Dalzell, PhD, RD, LD
Director, Holistic Nutrition Services
Author, Challenge Cancer and Win!
www.challengecancer.com

Can you please tell me the recommended dose of MGN-3 to help prevent a recurrence of nsclc-adenocarcinoma? I have been in remission for 2 years. Thanks.