The prostate is essential for reproductive health and helps make semen, the fluid that contains sperm. The minerals zinc and selenium may be helpful for the health of the prostate, but you should always consult a health-care professional before taking a zinc or selenium supplement.
The Prostate
The prostate surrounds the tube that takes urine from the bladder out of the body. In a young man the prostate is approximately the size of a walnut and slowly grows with age. A prostate that grows too large can cause problems. Prostate-related health conditions in men over 50 years old are very common and include prostatitis, a bacteria infection in the prostate; an enlarged prostate, also called benign prostatic hyperplasia; and prostate cancer.
Zinc
The essential trace mineral zinc is the most common trace mineral in the body after iron. Zinc is important for many functions in the body, including the immune system, wound healing, blood clotting and proper thyroid and insulin function. Zinc also has antioxidant properties and so can help to protect cells from free radical damage. Zinc is found in fish, red meat, poultry, ricotta, Gouda and Swiss cheese, and shellfish. Zinc supplements are also available, and according to the University of Maryland Medical Center, the most absorbable forms of zinc supplements include zinc citrate, zinc picolinate and zinc glycerate.
Selenium
According to MedlinePlus, the essential mineral selenium may be helpful for osteoarthritis, infertility, cataracts, chronic fatigue syndrome and preventing various cancers such as prostate, stomach and skin cancers. Good sources of selenium include Brazil nuts, wheat and fish, though the amount of selenium in food depends on where it was raised or grown. Selenium supplements are also available.
Zinc, Selenium and Prostate Cancer
According to the Mayo Clinic, prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers in men. Typical symptoms include difficulty urinating, blood in the urine, swelling in the leg, discomfort in the pelvic area and decreased force in the stream of urine.
PSA is a protein made by the prostate gland, elevated levels of which are associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia and prostate cancer.
In a study published in a 2005 issue of the "International Journal of Cancer," researchers found that a combination of 20 mg of zinc, 100 mcg of selenium, 120 mg of vitamin C, 30 mg of vitamin E and 6 mg of beta-carotene daily for eight years helped to reduced the risk of prostate cancer in men with normal PSA levels.
Patients with prostate cancer should consult a doctor before taking any supplements.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Zinc
- MedlinePlus: Selenium
- Mayo Clinic: Prostate cancer
- "International Journal of Cancer"; Antioxidant vitamin and mineral supplementation and prostate cancer prevention in the SU.VI.MAX trial; F. Meyer, P. Galan, P. Douville, et al.; 2005
