Selenium and Cancer
Selenium and Prostate Cancer
Written by: Gloria Tsang,
RD
last updated: November 2004
Because it boosts the body's
antioxidant capacity, selenium is thought to have some ability
to control cell damage that may lead to cancer. Selenium
may even act in other ways to stop early cancer cells in
their development. A recent study also suggested that selenium
may enhance immune function, at least in those healthy adults
with relatively low blood selenium. So far based on the
evidence of animal and epidemiological studies, the role
of selenium and cancer is probably the most significant
for prostate cancer.
Selenium
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Selenium and Prostate Cancer
Quite a few promising studies
published in 2004 showed the potential benefits of selenium
in prevention of prostate cancer. One particular epidemiological
study published in May 2004 in the Journal of National Cancer
Institute revealed that men with high blood levels of selenium
were about half as likely to develop advanced prostate cancer
as the men with lower blood selenium. This study had a good
sample size (>1000 healthy male) and a long study period
of over 13 years. The duration is significant because prostate
cancer is a slow growing disease.
A well designed randomized double-blind controlled study
would be able to determine selenium's benefits. Currently
the SELECT trial (the Selenium and Vitamin E Cancer Prevention
Trial) is in progress. This study hopes to enroll 32,000
men aged 55 or older and will be follow them for 12 years.
Selenium and other cancers
Several other studies recently
suggested that lower blood selenium may be associated with
increased risk of colon cancer. Another study published
in August 2004 also revealed that selenium may prevent gastric
cancer, especially in men.
selenium benefits prostate
cancerSelenium Key Message: Enjoy the benefits of selenium!
Selenium is found in many foods such as seafood, lean meats,
grains, eggs and garlic. It is unknown that how much selenium
is enough for men. In addition, we also don't know if selenium
supplements help every man or only some. If you are taking
a selenium supplement, the maximum amount from food and
supplements considered safe is 400 mcg a day.
selenium benefits prostate
cancerLink:
* Prostate Cancer Diet
* Lycopene and Prostate Cancer
* Selenium only benefits cancer, but not Heart
* Healthy Eating Guidelines
* Mineral Guide
Angstrom Minerals Product And Price List
The information on this page has been extracted from http://www.healthcastle.com/selenium-prostatecancer.shtml
