Selenium And Vitamin E Cancer Prevention Trial Select
Selenium and Vitamin E Cancer Prevention Trial (SELECT) is a clinical trial that aimed to determine whether selenium and vitamin E supplements could prevent prostate cancer. The study was conducted between 2001 and 2011 and involved over 35,000 men from the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico.
The SELECT trial was the largest cancer prevention trial ever conducted and was sponsored by the National Cancer Institute and other organizations. The results of the study were published in several peer-reviewed journals and have been widely debated in the medical community.
What is Selenium?
Selenium is a mineral that is essential for human health. It is found in soil, water, and some foods. Selenium is important for various bodily functions, including thyroid hormone metabolism, DNA synthesis, and immune system function. Selenium is also an antioxidant and can help protect cells from damage.
What is Vitamin E?
Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin that is present in many foods. It is an antioxidant and can help protect cells from damage. Vitamin E is important for immune system function, cell signaling, and other bodily functions. Vitamin E is also used in some cosmetic products for its skin-protective properties.
The SELECT Trial
The SELECT trial was designed to determine whether selenium and vitamin E supplements could prevent prostate cancer. The study participants were men aged 50 years or older who had no history of prostate cancer. The participants were randomly assigned to one of four groups: selenium, vitamin E, selenium and vitamin E, or placebo.
The study participants took the supplements daily for an average of 5.5 years. The researchers monitored the participants for prostate cancer and other health outcomes. The study was stopped early in 2008 because no significant differences were found between the groups in terms of prostate cancer incidence.
The Results
The results of the SELECT trial were published in several peer-reviewed journals. The study found that neither selenium nor vitamin E supplements reduced the risk of prostate cancer. In fact, the study found that vitamin E supplements slightly increased the risk of prostate cancer in some participants.
The study also found that the supplements did not reduce the risk of other cancers or cardiovascular disease. However, the study did find that selenium supplements reduced the risk of prostate cancer in some men who had low levels of selenium at the start of the study.
Conclusion
The SELECT trial was an important study that aimed to determine whether selenium and vitamin E supplements could prevent prostate cancer. The study found that neither supplement was effective in reducing the risk of prostate cancer. However, the study did find that selenium supplements may be beneficial for some men with low selenium levels.
It is important to note that the SELECT trial was conducted in a specific population and may not be applicable to all men. It is also important to consult with a healthcare provider before taking any supplements, as they may interact with medications or have other risks.