Prostate cancer is the third most common cause of cancer-related deaths in men, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. It is a slow growing form of cancer, however, and treatment success rates are high when the cancer is caught early. Symptoms generally include urinary problems such as incomplete emptying of the bladder and frequent urination during the night. Prostate cancer is usually treated with surgery to remove cancerous tissue, or radiation therapy. Some men take vitamin E and selenium to reduce the risk of prostate cancer, but evidence to prove they work is lacking. Talk to your doctor before taking supplements and do not use vitamins E or selenium in place of medical treatments.
Properties
Vitamin E is a fat-soluble antioxidant vitamin that protects cells from free-radical damage and plays a role immune function, gene expression and cell signaling. The Office of Dietary Supplements notes that it may be associated with a decreased incidence of prostate cancer. Selenium is a trace mineral. Like vitamin E, it helps to neutralize free radicals. It also plays an important role in immune and thyroid function and may help to prevent cardiovascular disease and various cancers including prostate cancer.
Sources and Administration
A number of dietary sources contain selenium and vitamin E. You can find vitamin E in vegetable oils, broccoli, spinach, kiwifruit, hazelnuts and peanut butter. It is also available as a dietary supplement. Whole grains, poultry, seafood and nuts are all rich sources of selenium. Like vitamin E, selenium is also available as a dietary supplement. Guidance regarding the dose required to help prevent prostate cancer is limited. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice.
Effectiveness
Evidence to support the use of selenium and vitamin E in the prevention of prostate cancer is weak. Research published in the "American Journal of Epidemiology" in September 2010 found that dietary supplements including selenium and vitamin E do not significantly reduce the risk of prostate cancer. An analysis of data from nine randomized clinical trials, published in the August 2010 issue of "Nutrition and Cancer" concludes the antioxidant vitamins, such as vitamin E and selenium, do not reduce the incidence and mortality of prostate cancer.
Safety Considerations
Taking vitamin E or selenium may cause side effects. For example, vitamin E may interfere with blood clotting. The Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center notes that taking more than 1,000 micrograms of selenium daily may cause a condition called selenosis, characterized by hair loss, dermatitis and body odor. Vitamin E may interact with other treatments you are receiving including chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Get medical advice before taking supplements.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Prostate Cancer
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center: Selenium
- Office of Dietary Supplements: Vitamin E
- "American Journal of Epidemiology"; Diet, Supplement Use, and Prostate Cancer Risk: Results From the Prostate Cancer Prevention Trial; A.R. Kristal et al.; September 2010
- "Nutrition and Cancer"; Efficacy of Antioxidant Vitamins and Selenium Supplement in Prostate Cancer Prevention: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials; L.Jiang et al.; August 2010
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