Selenium May Exert Protective Effect for Prostate Cancer

Selenium is an essential trace element which is necessary for growth and protein synthesis. Brazil nuts are the richest dietary source of selenium, however it is also found in organ meats, tuna, seafood, brewer’s yeast, fresh garlic, mushrooms, wheat germ, and some whole grains.  Milan S. Geybels, from Maastricht University (The Netherlands), and colleagues analyzed data collected on approximately 60,000 men, ages 55 to 69 years, finding that men with the highest selenium levels, as measured in toenail clippings to indicate long-term selenium intake, had more than a 60% reduced risk for advanced prostate cancer. The study authors write that: “Selenium exerts important biological functions through its presence in selenoproteins and genetic variation in the major selenoproteins glutathione peroxidase 1 (GPX1) and selenoprotein P (SEPP1) has been associated with the risk of [prostate cancer].”