Selenium May Reduce Several Cancer Rates

Chief author Dr. Larry Clark, Bruce W. Turnbull and others at Cornell and the University of Arizona have written a study on Selenium and its effects on cancer.

It was funded by the NIH and others.

Selenium initially tested for skin cancer, but researchers found even more:

 
The study was originally targeted at testing efficacy of Selenium on Skin Cancer in populations where the trace mineral content is lower in the local soil.

These regions include the Upper Midwest, Northeast and Florida.

The subjects who took selenium supplements had 41 percent fewer total cancers than their counterparts,

Selenium showed surprising reduction in several types.

 
Who were taking sugar pills or other placebos.

Though the original target was different,

The most dramatic results were on colorectal, prostate, esophageal and lung cancer rates.

The dosage given to those participants who received Selenium supplementation was 200 micrograms per day.

Selenium can be found naturally in fish, meats, eggs, grains, brewer’s yeast and also some nuts.

 
NOTE: Excessive Selenium is associated with a higher-incidence of cataracts, so check with your doc & don’t go too crazy.


Photo Credits: “slinky2”, by Stephen Tainton


Links:
[Update, Archive]Cornell-Selenium    U.Arizona Selenium Studies   CNN on Selenium for Prostate   NIH-ODS Selenium Factsheet