Ask the Nurse: Facts and fiction on diet and myeloma

We are often asked about the best types of foods to eat, whether certain foods should be avoided, or if there are special diets for people living with myeloma and related conditions.

In this month’s blog we explore some of the questions received by our Myeloma Infoline team, and explain what the evidence supports – and what it doesn’t.

Can a specific diet prevent or cure myeloma?

We sometimes receive questions about whether specific foods or diets – such as cutting out sugar or dairy, following plant-based diets, or taking supplements – can prevent or cure myeloma.  

Whilst some research has explored possible links between overall dietary patterns and myeloma, the evidence is limited and has not shown a clear or consistent connection.

There is currently no robust scientific evidence that any specific food or diet can prevent, treat or cure myeloma. However, eating a healthy, balanced diet is important for maintaining overall health, supporting the body during treatment, and helping manage side effects.

You can read more about maintaining a healthy diet in our Infopack for living well with myeloma which includes a section on diet and exercise (pages 75-90).

Can I boost my immune system through diet?

There is no special diet or single food that is proven to boost the immune system or reduce the risk of myeloma. The best way to support your immune system is to eat a balanced and varied diet that provides lots of vitamins and minerals. This includes:

• A wide range of fruit and vegetables.
• Sources of calcium, such as milk, yoghurt and cheese, or fortified dairy-free alternatives.
• Carbohydrates such as bread, pasta, cereals and rice – whole grain versions contain more fibre which can help with digestion.
• Protein sources including beans, pulses, nuts, fish, meat and dairy products.
• A small amount of oils and spreads – unsaturated fats including vegetable, rapeseed, olive and sunflower oils are healthier.

It is best to avoid supplements aimed at boosting the immune system such as echinacea as it is not known how these may affect myeloma or interact with treatment.

You may be advised to follow specific dietary guidance if you have complications or related conditions, such as kidney problems or AL amyloidosis. This advice is personalised so it’s important to follow recommendations from your healthcare team.

Some myeloma treatments can affect your appetite or how much you feel able to eat. Our Myeloma Matters magazine has an article focussing on diet including advice for managing poor appetite and weight loss (pages 11-13). The Diet and exercise section of our website or our pre-recorded Digital Infoday Session on Diet and myeloma may also be helpful.

Is there anything I should avoid eating?

Probiotic foods

Foods containing live bacteria, such as some probiotic yoghurts and drinks, should be avoided if you have a weakened immune system (immunocompromised). This is usually the case for all myeloma patients, even during remission. This is because the live bacteria can increase the risk of infection.

Your healthcare team can advise whether these are safe for you, as they know your current test results and treatment.

Yoghurts labelled as plain, live, fruit and Greek and described as ‘pasteurised’, ‘heat treated’ or’ UHT’ are all considered safe to eat. This information can be found on the ingredients label.

Honey

Manuka honey is often raw or unpasteurised which means it may contain bacteria and other contaminants. It is not considered safe for myeloma patients due to the increased risk of infection. Pasteurised or heat-treated honey is usually safe to eat in moderation as part of a balanced diet. Again, your healthcare team can give you advice specific to your situation.

Food safety

You should avoid raw or undercooked meat, fish and eggs to reduce infection from food, and take the following steps:

• Wash your hands before handling and eating food.
• Wash fruit and vegetables before eating.
• Observe use-by dates.
• Store food at the correct temperature.

Should I cut out sugar?

There is a common myth that sugar increases the risk of cancer or encourages it to grow, and that removing it from the diet can help prevent or treat myeloma. There is no evidence that removing sugar – or any specific food – will prevent or treat myeloma. All cells in the body, including healthy cells need glucose (a form of sugar) for energy. Following a restrictive diet that cuts out sugar completely could be harmful as it could stop you getting the energy and nutrients your body needs.

General health advice still applies – eating large amounts of sugary food and drinks can increase the risk of obesity and tooth decay. It’s best to consume sugar in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

Can I take supplements to help treat myeloma?

You may see vitamins, herbal remedies or certain supplements being promoted as treatments for myeloma. There is no reliable clinical evidence that these products can treat or cure myeloma.

It is important to speak to your medical team before taking any vitamins, minerals, or supplements. Some may interact with myeloma treatments or other medications which can reduce how well myeloma treatments works, or cause harm. Your healthcare team can advise you on what is safe and appropriate for your individual situation.

Does green tea prevent myeloma?

There is no clear scientific evidence that green tea can prevent or treat myeloma. Green tea extracts and supplements may also interact with certain medications including treatment for high blood pressure, cholesterol and blood thinning (anti-coagulant) drugs. It may also affect how well bortezomib (Velcade^®), a commonly used myeloma treatment, works. This is why it is important to check with your healthcare team before starting any supplements or alternative treatments and to remind them of any you are taking if your prescribed treatments change.

Does turmeric (curcumin) help prevent cancer?

There is a lot of interest in the possible health benefits of turmeric. Curcumin, found in turmeric, has been studied in laboratory settings and small clinical trials. However, there is currently no conclusive evidence that it benefits people living with myeloma. It may also interfere with some treatments such as cyclophosphamide, and medications to prevent blood clots.

Other supplements

Your healthcare team may recommend specific supplements if you have a deficiency – for example vitamin D. You can read more in our Ask the Nurse: vitamins, minerals and supplements blog.

If you have any further questions or need support, contact us through the Myeloma UK Infoline at 0800 980 3332 (UK) or use our Ask the Nurse email service