The prostate, a small gland in the male reproductive system, sits in the middle of a frenzied anatomical crossroads. Located at the hub of a man's urinary and reproductive tracts, the prostate can produce a variety of health issues, including cancer. Though the need for further scientific research exists, selenium, a mineral found in plants, may reduce the risk of developing prostate cancer.
About Selenium
Selenium is a trace mineral. As such, your body requires only minimum amounts to maintain good health. Selenium provides powerful antioxidant enzymes that help impede cellular damage by free radicals -- harmful byproducts of oxygen metabolism that cause aging and possible health problems. Though selenium content in food depends on the soil in which it is grown, dietary sources can include Brazil nuts, canned tuna fish, cooked beef, eggs and cheddar cheese.
Selenium Benefits
A component of the potent antioxidant glutathione peroxidase, selenium appears to counteract the damaging effects of oxygen in tissues and may work to reduce the risk of prostate cancer and its progression. According to a study conducted at Johns Hopkins Medical Center and published by Johns Hopkins' "Prostate Cancer Update,", as selenium levels decrease with a man's age, the chances of developing prostate cancer increase. This information leads researchers to theorize that selenium may protect against prostate cancer. Drs. Pamela Ellsworth and John Heaney, urologists at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center in New Hampshire, claim that selenium offers other benefits for the prostate, as well. They report in their book, "100 Questions & Answers About Prostate Cancer," that selenium may work like aspirin by decreasing levels of prostaglandins -- potent hormonelike substances that can trigger prostate inflammation and pain.
Usage
A large cancer prevention trial conducted in 1983 indicated that ingesting 200 micrograms of selenium daily seems to lower the risk of developing prostate cancer, according to the Office of Dietary Supplements. Drs. Ellsworth and Heaney, in their book "100 Questions & Answers About Prostate," recommend taking selenium supplements with a meal. They suggest wheat germ, bran, brown rice, garlic and soy beans as good dietary sources.
Side Effects
Although rare in the United States, high levels of selenium can cause a condition known as selenosis. Symptoms of selenosis include gastrointestinal upset, increased bloating and flatulence, hair loss, nail problems, bad breath, fatigue, irritability and mild nerve damage.
References
- National Institues of Cancer: Introduction to the Prostate
- Office of Dietary Supplements National Institutes of Health: Selenium
- Johns Hopkins Medicine: Prostate Cancer and Diet
- "100 Questions & Answers About Prostate"; Pamela Ellsworth, M.D., John Heaney, M.D.; 2007
- "Dr. Patrick Walsh's Guide to Surviving Cancer"; Patrick C. Walsh, M.D.; 2007
