Can You Eat Normally While Taking Anastrozole? What Parents Should Know
Written by Dr. Kelli Davis, DO
Board-Certified Pediatric Endocrinologist | LIFE Pediatric Endocrinology
If you're searching for foods to avoid when taking anastrozole, you're not alone. It's one of the most common questions families ask after their child starts this medication.
The good news is reassuring: there are no foods that have been proven to interfere with anastrozole or reduce how well it works. According to the FDA, anastrozole can be taken with or without food, and eating does not significantly affect the amount of medication your body absorbs.
However, there are a few nutrition and supplement considerations worth knowing, especially when anastrozole is used off-label in pediatric endocrinology to help preserve growth potential.
Can You Eat Normally While Taking Anastrozole?
Yes.
Most children taking anastrozole do not need to follow a special diet or avoid specific foods.
Whether your child takes the medication with breakfast, dinner, or on an empty stomach, it should continue to work as intended. Food may slightly slow how quickly the medication reaches its highest level in the bloodstream, but it does not reduce its effectiveness.
Are There Foods to Avoid While Taking Anastrozole?
At this time, no foods have been clinically proven to interfere with anastrozole.
That said, doctors may recommend being mindful of certain supplements or concentrated products.
High-Dose Soy and Phytoestrogen Supplements
Soy contains naturally occurring plant compounds called phytoestrogens, which have mild estrogen-like properties.
Examples include:
- Soy milk
- Tofu
- Edamame
- Tempeh
- Soy protein powders
Although laboratory studies have suggested these compounds could theoretically influence estrogen pathways, there is no clinical evidence that eating normal amounts of soy makes anastrozole less effective.
Most pediatric endocrinologists do not recommend eliminating soy from a healthy diet. However, high-dose phytoestrogen supplements should be discussed with your physician before use.
Herbal Supplements That Affect Hormones
This is often more important than avoiding any particular food.
Some herbal products marketed for hormone balance or "natural estrogen support" may contain ingredients that could interfere with anastrozole's intended effect.
Before starting any supplement, let your endocrinologist know if your child takes:
- Herbal products
- Protein powders
- Greens powders
- Athletic supplements
- Over-the-counter hormone products
What Should Your Child Eat Instead?
Rather than worrying about foods to avoid, focus on building a healthy, balanced diet that supports normal growth and bone health.
We generally recommend:
- Calcium-rich foods
- Vitamin D
- Lean proteins
- Fruits and vegetables
- Whole grains
Because estrogen contributes to healthy bone development, children taking anastrozole are often monitored for bone health over time. Ensuring adequate calcium and vitamin D intake is an important part of treatment.
Why Do Pediatric Endocrinologists Prescribe Anastrozole?
Although anastrozole is FDA-approved for certain adult conditions, pediatric endocrinologists may prescribe it off-label in carefully selected children.
At LIFE Pediatric Endocrinology, anastrozole may be considered for children with:
- Advanced bone age
- Short stature in boys
- Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH)
- Other endocrine conditions where slowing bone maturation may help maximize adult height
Every child is different. Before recommending treatment, we evaluate growth patterns, bone age, puberty, laboratory testing, predicted adult height, and overall health to determine whether anastrozole is appropriate.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can my child eat soy while taking anastrozole?
Yes. Moderate amounts of soy foods have not been shown to interfere with anastrozole. High-dose soy or phytoestrogen supplements should be discussed with your physician.
Can anastrozole be taken with food?
Yes. It may be taken with or without food.
Should dairy products be avoided?
No. Dairy products are an excellent source of calcium, which supports healthy bones during treatment.
Are there foods that make anastrozole work better?
Not at this time. While some foods have shown aromatase-inhibiting activity in laboratory studies, there is no clinical evidence that eating these foods improves the effectiveness of prescription anastrozole.
The Bottom Line
If you're looking for foods to avoid when taking anastrozole, the evidence is reassuring: there are no foods that have been proven to reduce how well the medication works.
Instead of following a restrictive diet, focus on:
- Eating a balanced diet
- Getting enough calcium and vitamin D
- Avoiding estrogen-containing supplements unless approved by your physician
- Keeping regular follow-up appointments with your pediatric endocrinologist
When used in carefully selected children and monitored appropriately, anastrozole can be an important tool for helping maximize growth potential while supporting long-term health.
Concerned About Your Child's Growth?
At LIFE Pediatric Endocrinology, we specialize in evaluating children with short stature, advanced bone age, delayed or early puberty, congenital adrenal hyperplasia, and other complex endocrine conditions. Our board-certified pediatric endocrinologists develop personalized treatment plans and closely monitor every child throughout treatment to help maximize both safety and long-term outcomes.
If you have questions about anastrozole or your child's growth, schedule a consultation with our team today. We're here to help your family make confident, evidence-based decisions every step of the way.
About the Author
Dr. Kelli Davis is a board-certified pediatric endocrinologist at LIFE Pediatric Endocrinology. She completed her pediatric endocrinology fellowship at Vanderbilt University Medical Center and has extensive experience caring for children with growth disorders, delayed and early puberty, congenital adrenal hyperplasia, thyroid disorders, and other complex endocrine conditions. Dr. Davis is passionate about combining the latest medical evidence with compassionate, individualized care to help children reach their healthiest potential. As a "Rising Star," and mentee of Dr. Toni Kim, Dr. Davis continues to lead the field of pediatric endocrinology in regards to growth and puberty.
Medical Disclaimer
This article is intended for educational purposes only and should not replace medical advice from your physician. Always consult your healthcare provider before making changes to medications, supplements, or your child's diet. Because anastrozole is commonly prescribed off-label in pediatric endocrinology, treatment decisions should always be individualized and supervised by an experienced pediatric endocrinologist.
References
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. ARIMIDEX (anastrozole) Prescribing Information. Updated March 2, 2026.
- Wit JM, Hero M, Núñez SB. Aromatase Inhibitors in Pediatrics. Nature Reviews Endocrinology. 2011.
- Al-Rayess H, Wiersma R, Turner LE, et al. Anastrozole Improves Height Outcomes in Growing Children With Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia Due to 21-Hydroxylase Deficiency. The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism. 2025.
- Liu SC, Suresh M, Jaber M, Mercado Muñoz Y, Sarafoglou K. Case Report: Anastrozole as a Monotherapy for Pre-Pubertal Children With Non-Classic Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia. Frontiers in Endocrinology. 2023.
- Popescu R, Flangea C, Vlad DC, et al. Nutritional Impact on Breast Cancer in Menopausal and Post-Menopausal Patients Treated With Aromatase Inhibitors. Cancers. 2025.
