Selenium and Prostate Cancer: The Debate Continues!

2013-06-18 14:45:34

Data presented this past April at the Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research has sparked renewed interest in Selenium for prostate cancer prevention. Researchers analyzed data gathered from just over 2000 men in the 17.3 year follow up period for the Netherlands Cohort Study on diet and cancer; 898 of which were diagnosed with advanced prostate cancer during this time (1). What they discovered was that the men with the highest toenail selenium levels had a more than 60 percent lower risk for advanced prostate cancer, compared with those having the lowest toenail selenium levels. To date the studies have been conflicting, some showing benefit while others and most notably, the SELECT trial showing none (2). Many thought these results would put an end to this discussion; however one study is not all telling. A review of the SELECT study goes on to explain the many justifiable reasons for the lack of response, most interesting is the fact that selenium status in these men was higher to begin with (3). A point to consider as the men in the Netherlands Cohort Study had low to moderate selenium levels at the start of the study and low selenium is what is believed to be related to disease risk (1). So what does all the research really tell us? First, that future studies are necessary and definitely warranted. Second, that selenium supplementation probably only provides protective benefit in those that are deficient. This is the case for many nutrients however! Cancer is a complex disease with many variables to consider; in the case of prostate cancer selenium status seems to be one of them.