Vitamin E And The Risk Of Prostate Cancer
Introduction
Prostate cancer affects the prostate gland in men, which is responsible for producing semen. It is the second most common cancer among men worldwide, after lung cancer. There are many factors that can increase the risk of prostate cancer, including age, family history, ethnicity, and lifestyle factors such as diet and exercise. In recent years, there has been growing interest in the potential role of vitamin E in reducing the risk of prostate cancer.
Vitamin E and Prostate Cancer Risk
Vitamin E is a fat-soluble antioxidant that helps protect cells from damage caused by free radicals. It is found in many foods, including nuts, seeds, vegetable oils, and leafy green vegetables. Some studies have suggested that vitamin E may reduce the risk of prostate cancer by as much as 50%. However, other studies have found no significant association between vitamin E intake and prostate cancer risk.
The SELECT Trial
The Selenium and Vitamin E Cancer Prevention Trial (SELECT) was a large, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial that aimed to investigate the effects of vitamin E and selenium on the risk of prostate cancer. The trial involved over 35,000 men aged 50 and older who were randomly assigned to one of four groups: vitamin E, selenium, both, or placebo.
Results of the SELECT Trial
The results of the SELECT trial were surprising and disappointing. The study found that neither vitamin E nor selenium reduced the risk of prostate cancer. In fact, men who took vitamin E alone had a slightly higher risk of developing prostate cancer than those who took a placebo. This finding suggests that high doses of vitamin E may actually increase the risk of prostate cancer.
Other Studies on Vitamin E and Prostate Cancer
While the results of the SELECT trial were disappointing, other studies have suggested that vitamin E may still have a role in reducing the risk of prostate cancer. For example, a study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute found that men who took high doses of vitamin E for more than five years had a lower risk of developing aggressive prostate cancer.
Vitamin E and Prostate Cancer Treatment
While more research is needed to determine the role of vitamin E in preventing prostate cancer, some studies have suggested that vitamin E may be beneficial in the treatment of prostate cancer. For example, a study published in the Journal of Urology found that men who took vitamin E supplements in addition to their standard treatment had a lower risk of cancer progression and improved survival rates.
Conclusion
The role of vitamin E in the prevention and treatment of prostate cancer is still not fully understood. While some studies have suggested that vitamin E may reduce the risk of prostate cancer, the results of the SELECT trial were disappointing and suggest that high doses of vitamin E may actually increase the risk of prostate cancer. More research is needed to determine the optimal dose and duration of vitamin E supplementation, as well as its potential role in the treatment of prostate cancer.