Hi Dr Marik! I’ve been following your protocols since the Covid days and you have my trust. I never got the shot. I do timed eating, walk 7 miles a day and eat organic foods so I lost 35 pounds over 3 years.
I was diagnosed with DCIS (2 mm space of calcifications of concern) in 11/24. I was pretty irritated about that. Because I had been following your work, I wasn’t too afraid.
I stopped eating sugar, cleaned up my diet even more and follow your root protocols Thank you for the information on the supplements.
You are also my hero and I am so grateful for you, your wisdom and bravery. I have also been subscribing to Justice R Hope which has been so helpful.
Hi Dr. Marik. I am so confused. I am currently caring for someone with a recent Glioblastoma diagnosis and the protocol we have been following recommends high doses of many of the supplements you warn against, vitamin E to name one, as well as other repurposed drugs. It is so hard to know what the right thing to do is especially when none of our doctors are willing to discuss any of these alternatives. They know everything we are doing but won’t discuss it. Now I feel like I have been doing something wrong by giving him these antioxidants.
This is a difficult question to answer and the reason I wrote this post in the first instance as most doctors do not understand the harms of the various vitamins and anti-oxidants in patients with cancer. All the data I have provided is supported by the highest level of science. I suggest that you do an independent search yourself.
Hi, Dr. Marik, Thanks for this interesting post. What is the optimal daily dose of B-12 for a presumably healthy person? My supplement contains 2500 mcg., along with 3 mg. of B-6 and 400 mcg of Methyl Folate. Also, I heard someone say that folic acid was a totally artificial nutrient and it was not good to take it, in case you do not have the genetics to break it down into folate (because of MTHFR). He recommended taking only folate. Any thoughts?
That is a massive dose of B12. Normal dose 25-50 ug/day If you have cancer such a high dose is contraindicated. If you have a healthy diet you probably dont need to supplement with these vitamins.
Dr. Marik. I too have MTHFR defect, Heterozygous C677T. I pulled out my results from Spectracell Labs, 2012, and I came across this interesting note I thought I'd share with you in case you are taking Methotrexate as part of your cancer therapy, “An additional area in which the function of MTHFR can have an effect is during methotrexate therapy………. It is a structural analog of folate and can interfere with folate metabolism. Defects in folate metabolism such as those potentially arising from mutations affecting MTHFR function can increase sensitivity to methotrexate and may lead to lower dosage requirements, increased side effects, or intolerance of this drug”
The stress of the last 6 years hasn't helped your health. As someone who has been interested in alternative cancer treatments since 2011, I've seen a handful of people that succeeded in beating cancer themselves or advising those with cancer, to address the physical, emotional and spiritual aspects. For example dealing with resentment or anger….. not suppressing it, but addressing it so it doesn't boil up inside you. A lot of bad stuff has come to light that we had no control over, for example. Or people don't act as we wish they would, or have disappointed us.
Thank you for all you've done for millions of people across the world. I wish you all the best for YOUR health.
Can you speak at all to beets (high in anti-oxidants, etc)? I’m using the juice for blood pressure control, a quick google search makes it look pretty safe and possibly even useful with my lung cancer, but I don’t want to overdo it. But I also don’t want to add one more prescription…
I have followed and trusted you since the first time I heard about you I believe in 2020. Probably what you say is correct especially for lab made supplements. However, I no longer trust peer reviewed literature that demonizes certain supplements. I've watched them do it with D, C and of course Ivermectin and many others. It's hard to know what to do. My husband was given 6 months to live 18 months ago. We began on Ivermectin and mebendazole immediately along with a whole pile of supplements. He refused any dietary changes much to my dismay. But I learned he would take the supplements. The traditional cut burn and poison he was offered gave him a 15% chance of living past 6 months. He chose to do that but we also added in our pile of supplements. Each one I had read about extensively in peer reviewed papers or very good observational studies or personal experience frankly. Here's what I can tell you 18 months later. He has been in remission for 9 months. He has terrible permanent side effects from the radiation and the chemo. From his alternative protocol we can't see any negative side effects and he is alive which surprised all the doctors. They are of course baffled. So for now we're afraid to eliminate any supplement because something worked! And when you have the big cancer you don't have time to wait on Long studies with political results. You do whatever you can do to the best of your ability. So I will reread your article again and I will pay attention to it but I'm not sure any of it is that simple especially since we know results can be tampered with and there are so many variables at all times. Thank you so much for all of your hard work over many years and especially for your bravery.
Thanks. There is good data to support almost all the repurposed drugs and nutraceuticals we suggest… and all this data is devoid of commercial interests.. one of the most important principles in science is repeatability and reproducibility. So far we have not been proven wrong. I continually learn and update the protocols. Paul
I couldn't agree more, an an often overlooked concern with supplements is how they interact and can alter efficacy or increase adverse effects of cancer therapy. May I recommend a look at: https://a.co/d/0hVz7Wej
Good gosh - my multivitamin has 1333 mcg DFE of Metformin (methylated). This would be 1.333 mg of standard Folic Acid.?? I had only taken it 3 times a week, but I'm thinking of 0.4 mg daily (or 400 mcg.) of methylated Folic Acid would be much safer. Just what would be safer if I'm not deficient (or mildly) for a late 40's female? I want to have a balanced intake.
I do have the MTHFR gene, in the US, and had a noncancerous polyp. I was only tested for B12 and the value was slightly low, I only take the supplement once a week and my value is normal now. I asked to be tested for the MTHFR through my gp but he said it “wasn’t needed.” I found another website that analyzes 23andMe - not the best I know but it showed my mthfr mutation.
there is a rat study for NAC in use with cis-platin suggesting that the timing for usage of NAC is of utmost important.
("N-acetylcysteine chemoprotection without decreased cisplatin antitumor efficacy in pediatric tumor models").
It says that NAC shall not be taken prior to the cis-platin chemo treatment but 4 hours after. This would, theoretically, work since the half-live of NAC is sth like 6 hours. However, the doses they used in the study are rather high.
Very interesting article which gives much food for thought. I've been following the cancer protocol outlined on imahealth.org both before and after prostate cancer surgery last fall. Now I've started ADT since it is in some lymph nodes.
After reading this article I'm wondering about the soursop, petrasol, lycopene etc. I've been taking 5 days per week. I haven't had radiation or chemo so maybe it's ok but thought I should ask.
The whole is more than the sum of its parts. The gut doesn't absorb lab created isolated nutrients. No one should be taking lab created vitamins or nutrients. Every thing should come from a food source. Lab created creates toxicity because the body does not recognize and/or does not utilize. Absorption and utilization is a process that cannot be fooled. This was huge to Gerson in creating the Gerson Protocols- high nutrient intake through food sources, juiced for maxium absorption.
Thank you, Dr. Mark! This is exactly the information I have trying to find. Several of these are tricky because they are taken for multiple reasons.
1) I have been taking 2 mg/daily vit C so I need to bring that down, but I am reluctant to reduce much because vit C has been so helpful in reducing and warding off infections--important since both my WBC & IgG are very low (I have SMM).
2) Vit B12 is the only vitamin I take that has an obvious positive effect. It's great for mood and for energy both. I have never been found to be B12 deficient, so I don't have that excuse for continuing it. I just want to continue it because it helps me so much.
3) CoQ10 is usually taken for cardiac reasons. How to decide which is most important?
4) Is it possible the mixed Selenium results are the result of different types of Selenium?
5) It seems that patients are reporting helpful treatments that are oxidants: IV vitC of course, but also Ozone, CDS, Hyperbaric. How does one get the right balance and syncing of oxidants and antioxidants? Please talk more about this. It continues to be confusing.
Yes. It can be confusing. I was taking very high dose Folate for MTHFR mutation which turns out to be the absolute worst thing I could do for prostate cancer. Prostate cancer feeds on folate. So one has to be very careful with these supplements, some can be harmful.
Hi Dr. Marik, great to be able to subscribe to your Substack! You are one of my heroes. in addition to your cancer posts, I’m hoping you’ll post some about Sepsis and Post-Sepsis Syndrome. I nearly died from Septic Shock (and Necrotizing Fasciitis) in January 2025, from a ruptured groin hernia I didn’t know I had. I was really lucky, I came through with no organ damage, no limbs removed. But it’s been a long process for me to regain any strength. I cook nearly all the meals my husband and I have, and focus on mitochondria and metabolic ingredients. (I’m a good home cook so my husband tells me it’s also delicious.) I also take supplements. I’m told by my PT that I’m doing exceptionally well. Still, I can’t walk without aid and am easily exhausted. I’m about 60 percent of what I was pre Sepsis. All this said, I’m grateful to be alive and at 73, not having to report to a job and able to do what’s necessary to get better. Thank you!
Polly. That’s such an inspiring story. Sepsis is an awful disease. Most people dont know what sepsis is. I will likely have a post on sepsis in my new section on Metabolic Diseases. I do have posts where posts tell there own stories; with no names. Would you like me to publish your story.
Yes, I’d be honored to have my story included on your Substack, Dr. Marik. Just give me a word count. people don’t know what sepsis is. And when they do, it doesn’t fit the narrative they’ve been taught by the medical establishment. It’s too existential. They’ll ask me questions that are subtextually (or right on the surface) what did I do wrong to get sepsis?
Thank you so much Dr. Marik for this extremely informative Substack.
Do you have an opinion about whether the MTHFR gene mutation (and others) may possibly play a role?
It is my understanding that people with the MTHFR gene mutation have methylation issues, and ingesting foods enriched with synthetic folic acid can further inhibit the body’s ability to break down and absorb folate, thus resulting in deficiencies.
I would appreciate your opinion on how to navigate supplementation, and if it is important to consider certain gene mutation issues because it can play a role in how the body processes and absorbs supplements.
Robin. Thank you for this complex question. If you like you can e-mail me at pmarik@protonmail.com. This is a very personal question for more as I am double heterozygous for MTHFR mutation and I have cancer, so this become tricky. I was taking 15mg of l-methyfolate until i realized the connection with cancer and stopped it. This is now in a quandary. I should take a much lower dose of l-methyl folate and check my homocysteine etc levels. I have to give thism ore though. Do you have any ideas. The best information I can get from the literature is: Aim for physiologic doses rather than pharmacologic megadoses unless there is documented deficiency.
Guidelines from pathology/genetics groups state that standard folic acid dosing (around 400 mcg/day total from diet plus supplement) is acceptable regardless of MTHFR status.
Some clinicians prefer using low‑to‑moderate dose L‑methylfolate (for example, 400–800 mcg/day) instead of folic acid in C677T carriers, but there are no formal oncology guidelines or outcome data to mandate this, and higher doses are extrapolated from psychiatric practice rather than cancer trials.
MTHFR is definitely a tricky factor to work around especially because until more recently it went unrecognized undiagnosed for the most part. I am a dual carrier myself.
I would encourage you to look into the use of MMS/Chlorine Dioxide. Lee Merritt MD might be a good resource to tap for her knowledge on this topic.
Thank you for all your work. Thoughts and prayers to you always.
Hi Dr Marik! I’ve been following your protocols since the Covid days and you have my trust. I never got the shot. I do timed eating, walk 7 miles a day and eat organic foods so I lost 35 pounds over 3 years.
I was diagnosed with DCIS (2 mm space of calcifications of concern) in 11/24. I was pretty irritated about that. Because I had been following your work, I wasn’t too afraid.
I stopped eating sugar, cleaned up my diet even more and follow your root protocols Thank you for the information on the supplements.
You are also my hero and I am so grateful for you, your wisdom and bravery. I have also been subscribing to Justice R Hope which has been so helpful.
Deb; Thanks for your comments. I hope you will find my upcoming posts (many) interesting and helpful. Paul
Also, I did have the lumpectomy then followed holistic protocols to include yours.
To be honest, I have no idea.
Hi Dr. Marik. I am so confused. I am currently caring for someone with a recent Glioblastoma diagnosis and the protocol we have been following recommends high doses of many of the supplements you warn against, vitamin E to name one, as well as other repurposed drugs. It is so hard to know what the right thing to do is especially when none of our doctors are willing to discuss any of these alternatives. They know everything we are doing but won’t discuss it. Now I feel like I have been doing something wrong by giving him these antioxidants.
This is a difficult question to answer and the reason I wrote this post in the first instance as most doctors do not understand the harms of the various vitamins and anti-oxidants in patients with cancer. All the data I have provided is supported by the highest level of science. I suggest that you do an independent search yourself.
Hi, Dr. Marik, Thanks for this interesting post. What is the optimal daily dose of B-12 for a presumably healthy person? My supplement contains 2500 mcg., along with 3 mg. of B-6 and 400 mcg of Methyl Folate. Also, I heard someone say that folic acid was a totally artificial nutrient and it was not good to take it, in case you do not have the genetics to break it down into folate (because of MTHFR). He recommended taking only folate. Any thoughts?
That is a massive dose of B12. Normal dose 25-50 ug/day If you have cancer such a high dose is contraindicated. If you have a healthy diet you probably dont need to supplement with these vitamins.
Dr. Marik. I too have MTHFR defect, Heterozygous C677T. I pulled out my results from Spectracell Labs, 2012, and I came across this interesting note I thought I'd share with you in case you are taking Methotrexate as part of your cancer therapy, “An additional area in which the function of MTHFR can have an effect is during methotrexate therapy………. It is a structural analog of folate and can interfere with folate metabolism. Defects in folate metabolism such as those potentially arising from mutations affecting MTHFR function can increase sensitivity to methotrexate and may lead to lower dosage requirements, increased side effects, or intolerance of this drug”
The stress of the last 6 years hasn't helped your health. As someone who has been interested in alternative cancer treatments since 2011, I've seen a handful of people that succeeded in beating cancer themselves or advising those with cancer, to address the physical, emotional and spiritual aspects. For example dealing with resentment or anger….. not suppressing it, but addressing it so it doesn't boil up inside you. A lot of bad stuff has come to light that we had no control over, for example. Or people don't act as we wish they would, or have disappointed us.
Thank you for all you've done for millions of people across the world. I wish you all the best for YOUR health.
Karenvusa. Thanks for your kind not. Its complicated but I am doing okay.
Kindly. Paul
Thank you!
Can you speak at all to beets (high in anti-oxidants, etc)? I’m using the juice for blood pressure control, a quick google search makes it look pretty safe and possibly even useful with my lung cancer, but I don’t want to overdo it. But I also don’t want to add one more prescription…
I have followed and trusted you since the first time I heard about you I believe in 2020. Probably what you say is correct especially for lab made supplements. However, I no longer trust peer reviewed literature that demonizes certain supplements. I've watched them do it with D, C and of course Ivermectin and many others. It's hard to know what to do. My husband was given 6 months to live 18 months ago. We began on Ivermectin and mebendazole immediately along with a whole pile of supplements. He refused any dietary changes much to my dismay. But I learned he would take the supplements. The traditional cut burn and poison he was offered gave him a 15% chance of living past 6 months. He chose to do that but we also added in our pile of supplements. Each one I had read about extensively in peer reviewed papers or very good observational studies or personal experience frankly. Here's what I can tell you 18 months later. He has been in remission for 9 months. He has terrible permanent side effects from the radiation and the chemo. From his alternative protocol we can't see any negative side effects and he is alive which surprised all the doctors. They are of course baffled. So for now we're afraid to eliminate any supplement because something worked! And when you have the big cancer you don't have time to wait on Long studies with political results. You do whatever you can do to the best of your ability. So I will reread your article again and I will pay attention to it but I'm not sure any of it is that simple especially since we know results can be tampered with and there are so many variables at all times. Thank you so much for all of your hard work over many years and especially for your bravery.
Thanks. There is good data to support almost all the repurposed drugs and nutraceuticals we suggest… and all this data is devoid of commercial interests.. one of the most important principles in science is repeatability and reproducibility. So far we have not been proven wrong. I continually learn and update the protocols. Paul
I couldn't agree more, an an often overlooked concern with supplements is how they interact and can alter efficacy or increase adverse effects of cancer therapy. May I recommend a look at: https://a.co/d/0hVz7Wej
Good gosh - my multivitamin has 1333 mcg DFE of Metformin (methylated). This would be 1.333 mg of standard Folic Acid.?? I had only taken it 3 times a week, but I'm thinking of 0.4 mg daily (or 400 mcg.) of methylated Folic Acid would be much safer. Just what would be safer if I'm not deficient (or mildly) for a late 40's female? I want to have a balanced intake.
If you have cancer I would not take folic acid unless you are deficient.
Thank you!
I do have the MTHFR gene, in the US, and had a noncancerous polyp. I was only tested for B12 and the value was slightly low, I only take the supplement once a week and my value is normal now. I asked to be tested for the MTHFR through my gp but he said it “wasn’t needed.” I found another website that analyzes 23andMe - not the best I know but it showed my mthfr mutation.
Thank you so much Dr. Marik for this! What do you think about the role of environmental toxins in creating cancers?
Yes.. They are clearly implicated. Paul
Dear Dr Marik,
there is a rat study for NAC in use with cis-platin suggesting that the timing for usage of NAC is of utmost important.
("N-acetylcysteine chemoprotection without decreased cisplatin antitumor efficacy in pediatric tumor models").
It says that NAC shall not be taken prior to the cis-platin chemo treatment but 4 hours after. This would, theoretically, work since the half-live of NAC is sth like 6 hours. However, the doses they used in the study are rather high.
Do you have any position on that?
Thanks. Rat study. Not sure what it means. Paul
Dr Marik,
Very interesting article which gives much food for thought. I've been following the cancer protocol outlined on imahealth.org both before and after prostate cancer surgery last fall. Now I've started ADT since it is in some lymph nodes.
After reading this article I'm wondering about the soursop, petrasol, lycopene etc. I've been taking 5 days per week. I haven't had radiation or chemo so maybe it's ok but thought I should ask.
Thanks for all you do!
Yes, that fine. If you e-mail me I will send you our updated protocols.
pmarik@protonmail.com
The whole is more than the sum of its parts. The gut doesn't absorb lab created isolated nutrients. No one should be taking lab created vitamins or nutrients. Every thing should come from a food source. Lab created creates toxicity because the body does not recognize and/or does not utilize. Absorption and utilization is a process that cannot be fooled. This was huge to Gerson in creating the Gerson Protocols- high nutrient intake through food sources, juiced for maxium absorption.
Thank you, Dr. Mark! This is exactly the information I have trying to find. Several of these are tricky because they are taken for multiple reasons.
1) I have been taking 2 mg/daily vit C so I need to bring that down, but I am reluctant to reduce much because vit C has been so helpful in reducing and warding off infections--important since both my WBC & IgG are very low (I have SMM).
2) Vit B12 is the only vitamin I take that has an obvious positive effect. It's great for mood and for energy both. I have never been found to be B12 deficient, so I don't have that excuse for continuing it. I just want to continue it because it helps me so much.
3) CoQ10 is usually taken for cardiac reasons. How to decide which is most important?
4) Is it possible the mixed Selenium results are the result of different types of Selenium?
5) It seems that patients are reporting helpful treatments that are oxidants: IV vitC of course, but also Ozone, CDS, Hyperbaric. How does one get the right balance and syncing of oxidants and antioxidants? Please talk more about this. It continues to be confusing.
Yes. It can be confusing. I was taking very high dose Folate for MTHFR mutation which turns out to be the absolute worst thing I could do for prostate cancer. Prostate cancer feeds on folate. So one has to be very careful with these supplements, some can be harmful.
Thank you! It’s encouraging to me that even you make missteps and have to backtrack and correct. Bless you!
Hi Dr. Marik, great to be able to subscribe to your Substack! You are one of my heroes. in addition to your cancer posts, I’m hoping you’ll post some about Sepsis and Post-Sepsis Syndrome. I nearly died from Septic Shock (and Necrotizing Fasciitis) in January 2025, from a ruptured groin hernia I didn’t know I had. I was really lucky, I came through with no organ damage, no limbs removed. But it’s been a long process for me to regain any strength. I cook nearly all the meals my husband and I have, and focus on mitochondria and metabolic ingredients. (I’m a good home cook so my husband tells me it’s also delicious.) I also take supplements. I’m told by my PT that I’m doing exceptionally well. Still, I can’t walk without aid and am easily exhausted. I’m about 60 percent of what I was pre Sepsis. All this said, I’m grateful to be alive and at 73, not having to report to a job and able to do what’s necessary to get better. Thank you!
Excellent. About 1500-1800 words. No rush . Send to my e-mail: pmarik@protonmail.com
Hi Dr. Marik, I just sent an 1800 word piece I wrote to your email address titled “Why Isn’t Post-Sepsis Syndrome Better Understood?”
Will do, thank you.
Polly. That’s such an inspiring story. Sepsis is an awful disease. Most people dont know what sepsis is. I will likely have a post on sepsis in my new section on Metabolic Diseases. I do have posts where posts tell there own stories; with no names. Would you like me to publish your story.
Yes, I’d be honored to have my story included on your Substack, Dr. Marik. Just give me a word count. people don’t know what sepsis is. And when they do, it doesn’t fit the narrative they’ve been taught by the medical establishment. It’s too existential. They’ll ask me questions that are subtextually (or right on the surface) what did I do wrong to get sepsis?
Okay… Thanks
Thank you so much Dr. Marik for this extremely informative Substack.
Do you have an opinion about whether the MTHFR gene mutation (and others) may possibly play a role?
It is my understanding that people with the MTHFR gene mutation have methylation issues, and ingesting foods enriched with synthetic folic acid can further inhibit the body’s ability to break down and absorb folate, thus resulting in deficiencies.
I would appreciate your opinion on how to navigate supplementation, and if it is important to consider certain gene mutation issues because it can play a role in how the body processes and absorbs supplements.
Robin. Thank you for this complex question. If you like you can e-mail me at pmarik@protonmail.com. This is a very personal question for more as I am double heterozygous for MTHFR mutation and I have cancer, so this become tricky. I was taking 15mg of l-methyfolate until i realized the connection with cancer and stopped it. This is now in a quandary. I should take a much lower dose of l-methyl folate and check my homocysteine etc levels. I have to give thism ore though. Do you have any ideas. The best information I can get from the literature is: Aim for physiologic doses rather than pharmacologic megadoses unless there is documented deficiency.
Guidelines from pathology/genetics groups state that standard folic acid dosing (around 400 mcg/day total from diet plus supplement) is acceptable regardless of MTHFR status.
Some clinicians prefer using low‑to‑moderate dose L‑methylfolate (for example, 400–800 mcg/day) instead of folic acid in C677T carriers, but there are no formal oncology guidelines or outcome data to mandate this, and higher doses are extrapolated from psychiatric practice rather than cancer trials.
MTHFR is definitely a tricky factor to work around especially because until more recently it went unrecognized undiagnosed for the most part. I am a dual carrier myself.
I would encourage you to look into the use of MMS/Chlorine Dioxide. Lee Merritt MD might be a good resource to tap for her knowledge on this topic.
Thank you for all your work. Thoughts and prayers to you always.