Despite what you've seen on TV there isn't reliable evidence that taking Life Mel Honey will help your white blood cells to recover more quickly.

The most common side-effect of chemotherapy is a temporary reduction in the white blood cells in the blood, especially of a type of blood cell called a neutrophil. This is called having a low white blood count or neutropenia and makes you more prone to infections.

Understandably most people having chemotherapy are keen to try to prevent or reduce this side effect. And, we are often asked if any particular foods or supplements might help. But unfortunately, at the moment, there isn't scientific evidence that anything you can buy helps improve white blood counts during chemotherapy.

There has been one study into taking Life Mel Honey during chemotherapy. But, the study was very small and didn’t compare people who took the honey with people who didn't. Because of this it couldn’t prove there was a definite benefit from taking Life Mel Honey.

A larger study looking at possible effects of Life Mel Honey is planned in America. It will recruit more people and will compare taking the honey during chemotherapy with having chemotherapy on its own.

This study design has a better chance of being able to find out if the honey works in the way the sellers claim. But, at the moment, there isn’t any good evidence that it does. There also isn't any clear scientific explanation of why it should be able to increase white blood cells.

So, it is best to be cautious about any claims made for this honey, especially as it costs about £40 for a jar. If you are considering buying Life Mel check with your doctor first. For most people honey is safe to take. But, if your white cell count is very low, you are best to avoid foods that haven’t been cooked at high temperatures, including honey.

There are various things that can be done if your white blood cell numbers are slow to recover during chemotherapy. Your treatment can be delayed for a few days to let your body have more time to recover. Or, the dose of your next chemotherapy can be reduced.

Studies have found that these changes don’t normally have any effect on how well many chemotherapy treatments work. But, if they feel that reducing or delaying your chemotherapy could lessen its effectiveness, your doctors can prescribe you a treatment to boost your white cells. This treatment is with injections of haematopoietic growth factor.

If you would like to know more about ways of helping yourself when your white blood cells are low please see our avoiding infection section.

Reference

• Zidan et al 2006 Prevention of chemotherapy-induced neutropenia by special honey intake. Medical Oncology 23(4) 549-552.