Vitamin E is a fat soluble vitamin that contains high levels of antioxidants that destroy free radicals associated with disease and illness. In addition, it is required for red blood cell production. Research indicates that increasing your intake of vitamin E from dietary sources, but not supplements, might have positive effects on prostate cancer.
Tocotrienol
According to a 2010 Science Daily report, scientists from the Queensland University of Technology investigated the effects of vitamin E on prostate cancer cells. They discovered that tocotrienol, a constituent of vitamin E, might have positive effects on prostate cancer by inhibiting the growth of prostate cancer cells. Researchers stated that tocotrienol might be a future treatment for prostate cancer. However, further studies need to be conducted.
Dietary Sources of Vitamin E
In research reported in the June 2007 issue of the journal "Cancer Epidemiology Biomarkers & Prevention," scientists from the National Cancer Institute explored the relationship between vitamin E and prostate cancer risk. They discovered that dietary sources of vitamin E were associated with a 30 percent decrease in prostate cancer risk, but vitamin E supplements had no effect on prostate cancer risk. Researchers found that gamma-tocopherol, a form of vitamin E, was responsible for the results of the study. Gamma-tocopherol is found mainly in vitamin E dietary sources, but not vitamin E supplements. Vitamin E food sources include sunflower seeds, sunflower oil, peanut butter, spinach and wheat germ.
Vitamin E Supplements
Researchers from Brigham and Women's Hospital and VA Boston Healthcare System investigated the effects vitamin C and E on prostate cancer and other types of cancer. Male physicians consumed supplements of 400 International Units of vitamin E every other day and 500mg of vitamin C daily for eight years. Scientists found that vitamin C and E did not reduce the risk of prostate cancer or any other type of cancer in participants. Their findings were reported in the December 2008 issue of the "Journal of the American Medical Association."
Side Effects and Medications
Vitamin E supplements might increase the risk for bleeding and may interact with certain medications such as antidepressants, aspirin, beta blockers and bile acid sequestrants, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Consult your health care provider before you take any vitamin E supplements.
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