Selenium and Prostate Health

Selenium is a trace mineral. Selenium worksThese were tracked over six years. The study
mostly in protein form, such as selenoproteins.discovered that men with the highest selenium
Selenoproteins function as enzymes, but alsolevels had a 65% lower risk of prostate cancer
have antioxidant properties. As antioxidants theythan men with lower levels of selenium.
help prevent cellular damage that happens as aIn 2004 more studies showed the potential
result of free radical activity. Other functions ofbenefits of selenium on prostate health. A study
selenoproteins include regulating thyroid function aspublished in the May 2004 issue of Journal of
well as playing a role in the body's immuneNational Cancer Institute, re-affirmed that men
system.with high selenium levels had more than a 50%
Selenium, as a powerful antioxidant, appears tolower risk for developing prostate cancer. This
have promising potential in supporting prostatestudy was conducted over 13 years with over
health. As a powerful antioxidant, selenium is1000 healthy participants. The duration of this
thought to neutralize free radical activity that maystudy is significant since prostate cancer
lead to cancer. Evidence from animal andprogresses slowly.
epidemiological studies strongly suggests thatNatural Food Sources
selenium may play a role in significantly reducingSelenium can only enter our diet only if it is
the risk for prostate cancer. Several studies haveavailable in the soil where plants, like corn, are
been conducted that indicate selenium's protectivegrowing, or in meat, if animals are grazing on
effect on the prostate thus reducing the risk ofgrass that has selenium in it. Usually, grains
prostate cancer. Preliminary studies at the(especially from the Great Plains), fish, organ
University of Arizona indicate that seleniummeats and Brazil nuts are high in selenium. Dr.
supplements taken daily may reduce the risk ofLarry Clark, University of Arizona Cancer Center
prostate cancer by 63%.remarks, "We've gone from knowing almost
This 10-year study headed by Dr. Larry Clark,nothing about diet and prostate cancer to
Ph.D also showed that daily seleniumprostate cancer being the leading cancer that may
supplementation may reduce the risk of lung andbe affected by diet, meaning we can do the most
colon cancers as well. Over a 1000 mento prevent it if we find the right diet."
volunteered for the study and it was reported inResearchers widely agree that nutritional
the Journal of the American Medical Association insupplementation can support prostate health.
December 1996. How does selenium work? Dr.Super Beta Prostate can nutritionally assist you in
Clark believes that selenium helps protect againstsupporting prostate health.It is to be noted that
oxidative damage in the prostate because of adiet supplements should not take the place of
specific type of protein that is more responsiveregular checkups. The American Cancer Society
to selenium. In 1998 Harvard conducted a studyrecommends annual physical examination of the
of 33,737 men between the ages of 40 and 75prostate and a PSA blood test starting at age 50
over a period of 6 years. At the beginning of theand at the age of 45 for men who are at high
study, researchers used toe nail clippings ofrisk.
volunteers to determine selenium concentrations.