Weird question, but I have just read something (not on this site) that says women on oestrogen inhibitors like Anastrozole and similar should not eat grapefruit! Anyone else heard of this? It’s been a part of my “loads-a-day” fruit and veg diet for a few weeks now, as aiming to keep weight down and get lots of vit C etc, but I wonder now if I need to drop it and substitute other fruits. Another Q for the onc this week I’m thinking. I will also post on the Ask the Nurses thread. Thanks.
Hi folks
the nurses on here responsed to my Q re this and referred me to the NHS website. I think it probably is a good idea to not have grapefruit when on Aromatase inhibitors. Turns out it wasn’t such a daft Question after all, as grapefuit should not be eaten if on a number of drugs. I think the research is less conclusive re AIs but I’ll avoid it to be on the safe side.
Also found this interesting article which sets out clearly about what foods enhance the activity of AIs and which it might be good to limit or avoid. Some of you who are ER+ may find it helpful.
foodforbreastcancer.com/articles/breast-cancer-diet-during-aromatase-inhibitor-treatment
Thank you, very useful info and link. Grapefruit has been part of my regular breakfast for years think that is another part of my life that will need altering!
I have just discovered that bergamot is closely related to grapefruit, which means that drinking copious quantities of Earl Grey tea may, and in my case did, cause low neutrophil counts. After a year of treatment, and carefully avoiding grapefruit, my blood counts recovered as soon as I stopped drinking it. There are many prescription drugs whose side-effects are affected by grapefruit, and I suspect that many of them also react with Earl Grey. I can find no convincing evidence that there is anything wrong with Earl Grey itself, it’s just the interaction it has with certain drugs (Letrazole and palbociclib).