Alfalfa, when taken in high doses, may stimulate the immune system in unintended ways, potentially triggering autoimmune responses. This makes it an inappropriate option for some cancer survivors with altered immune function.*

Astaxanthin is a powerful antioxidant, but we selected the carotenoid lycopene instead, with stronger evidence for cancer survivorship and better space efficiency in our formulas.*

Although beta-carotene is a well-known antioxidant, high-dose supplements have been linked to increased lung cancer risks in smokers. We chose lycopene instead with stronger benefit data for survivors, especially in skin health.*

Chrysin is sometimes promoted as a natural aromatase inhibitor, but our experts found that it lacks reliable bioavailability and standardized sourcing.*

Although copper is essential, excess supplement intake may promote oxidative stress and angiogenesis—processes linked to tumor growth and metastasis.*

Echinacea may promote healthy immune function, but concerns about drug interactions and overstimulation in survivors with blood cancers or autoimmune tendencies led us to leave it out.*

Ginkgo Biloba can interfere with blood clotting and increase bleeding risk, especially when combined with anticoagulant medications. For safety reasons, it was excluded from our formulas.*

Gotu Kola is traditionally used for wound healing and skin support, but its internal use carries potential for liver damage while lacking strong evidence in cancer survivors.*

Graviola is often promoted in alternative wellness spaces but it did not meet our evidence-based standards and has a potential for neurotoxicity. To avoid the risk of potential nerve damage, we left it out.*

Iron plays a vital role in health, but excessive supplementation may contribute to oxidative stress and support tumor growth. While important when deficiency is confirmed, we avoid routine iron supplementation and recommend it only when prescribed by a healthcare provider, at the right dose and duration.*

Despite its known calming effects, some studies have linked kava to liver toxicity and damage. In our expert opinion, the potential risks outweigh the benefits.*

Agaricus blazei is sometimes used for immune support but lacks strong human data and requires multiple pills to be effective. Instead, our SurvivorRx Seven Mushrooms delivers more potent benefits in just two capsules.*

This ingredient can interfere with the absorption of other nutrients and medications due to its mucilaginous properties, which form a barrier in the digestive system. To maximize the effectiveness of our formulas, it is excluded.*

Although it has mood-balancing benefits, St. John’s Wort is known to reduce the effectiveness of many medications, including antidepressants, birth control, and immunosuppressants. For survivors managing complex health needs, this risk is too significant.*

Sulforaphane is a beneficial compound found in cruciferous vegetables and is widely studied for its role in supporting cellular function in cancer. However, effective dosing is difficult due to extremely low absorption and bioavailability. We recommend getting sulforaphane through food sources like broccoli or as a powder additive, as capsule forms generally provide insufficient amounts.*

Alfalfa is considered a phytoestrogen and is often used in formulations for postmenopausal women, to stimulate breast milk production, and to support other processes that involve natural estrogen. We excluded it because those benefits become risks for women with estrogen-driven cancers.*

Often used for menopausal symptoms (such as hot flashes), black cohosh contains phytoestrogens that may mimic natural estrogen in the body. This poses a concern for hormone-sensitive cancer survivors, especially those with ER+ (Estrogen Positive) breast cancer.*

Curcumin offers many benefits, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and cellular support properties. However, it may interact with hormone therapies like Tamoxifen (a SERM) in ER+ (Estrogen Receptor Positive) breast cancer. While we recommend curcumin for most people (including ER+ survivors not on SERMs) we exclude it from this formula out of caution. Instead, it’s available as an optional add-on. Talk to your doctor to see if it’s right for you.*

DHEA is a hormone precursor that can influence natural estrogen levels with great benefits for women. However, because of its potential hormonal effects, we excluded it from all formulas for hormone-sensitive cancer survivors.*

Hops contain phytoestrogens that may stimulate hormone-sensitive cancers like ER+ (Estrogen Positive) breast cancer. We excluded it from all relevant formulas.*

Licorice root can potentially raise blood pressure and may affect hormone levels. It was excluded due to these hormonal effects and potential cancer-related concerns, as well as numerous documented side effects—including potential negative effects on the adrenal glands.*

Red clover contains phytoestrogens that can mimic estrogen in the body. For estrogen-sensitive cancer survivors, we chose to leave it out.*

Soy isoflavones are often used for their many benefits to women, including occasional hot flashes. For that reason, we have chosen to include them in our ER- (Estrogen Negative) products. However, some studies show that soy isoflavones resemble natural estrogen in structure. Due to concerns for ER+ (Estrogen Positive) breast cancer, we excluded them from our ER+ (Estrogen Positive) formulas.*

DHEA is a precursor to both estrogen and testosterone. Even in ER- (Estrogen Negative)/TNBC, hormonal manipulation could influence tumor environment or affect other growth pathways (e.g., androgen receptors, which some TNBCs express). This multiple hormonal activity makes DHEA potentially risky even for ER- (Estrogen Negative)/TNBC, particularly in long-term or high-dose use.*

Iron may play a role in TNBC tumor progression via oxidative stress and iron metabolism pathways (e.g., ferroptosis). Some research indicates TNBC tumors may uptake and store iron more aggressively, increasing risks with unnecessary supplementation. For that reason, we suggest supplementing with iron only when found deficient and under the care of a healthcare professional.*

Licorice has a range of endocrine effects—it can affect cortisol metabolism, blood pressure, and possibly estrogen metabolism indirectly. Some studies show it may pose endocrine disruption risks for ER- (Estrogen Negative)/TNBC, especially for those with comorbidities, we decided to leave it out.*

Although ashwagandha has many known benefits for women and men, studies show that it may influence natural testosterone production . For that reason, we have decided to keep it out of all SurvivorRx lines of prostate products.*

DHEA is a hormone precursor that can influence testosterone levels. Because of its hormonal effects, we excluded it from all formulas for prostate cancer survivors.*

Fenugreek has some known benefits, but it may influence natural testosterone production. For that reason, we have decided to keep it out of all SurvivorRx lines of prostate products.*