Zinc is an essential mineral that plays a role in numerous functions in the body, including synthesizing insulin, improving immunity and cell reproduction. Research indicates that zinc might also help combat prostate cancer, which affects the walnut size gland that adds fluid to semen.
ZIP1
Researchers from Agricultural Research Service studied the role of zinc in fighting prostate cancer. In the laboratory, scientists exposed a solution of zinc to cancer and non-cancerous prostate cancer cells. They discovered that cancerous cells accumulated lower levels of zinc and zinc transporter protein known as ZIP1, which moves zinc in and out of cells. Scientists noted that reduced levels of ZIP1 might lead to the progression of prostate cancer, according to 2005 Food and Nutrition Research Briefs from the USDA.
Prostate Cancer Mortality
Scientists from Harvard School of Public Health explored whether dietary zinc status at the time of prostate cancer diagnosis improved survival rate. The study, published in the January 2011 issue of the "American Journal of Clinical Nutrition" indicates that study patients with high dietary zinc intake had a reduced risk of prostate cancer mortality.
Zinc and Cadmium
In research reported in the January 2008 issue of the journal "The Prostate," scientists from the University of Rochester explored the relationship between zinc and cadmium. Cadmium is a risk factor for prostate cancer, since it raises PSA levels, a protein produced in the prostate gland that is an indicator of the presence of cancer. Scientists found that zinc produces a protein that binds to cadmium, thereby reducing the levels of cadmium in the blood and decreasing its toxic effects. This prevents the rise of PSA levels in the prostate gland.
Zinc Supplements
Scientists from the National Cancer Institute and Harvard School of Public Health investigated the relationship between zinc supplement use and risk of prostate cancer. The study, published in the April 2003 issue of the "Journal of the National Cancer Institute," concludes that supplemental doses of up to 100 mg of zinc a day is not correlated with prostate cancer risk, but supplemental doses greater than 100 mg of zinc a day is associated with an increase risk in prostate cancer. The recommended daily allowance is 11 mg of zinc per day.
References
- Science Daily: Does Zinc Fight Prostate Cancer?
- "American Journal of Clinical Nutrition": Dietary Zinc and Prostate Cancer Survival in a Swedish Cohort; M.M. Epstein et al.; January 2011
- Science Daily: Links Between Prostate Cancer, Cadmium And Zinc Investigated
- "Journal of the National Cancer Institute": Zinc Supplement Use and Risk of Prostate Cancer; M. F. Leitzmann et al.; April 2003
- USDA: Food and Nutrition Reseach Briefs
