Clipping Board » Dangerous Medicinal Tonics ─ Nutrients should be moderate in the body—excessive supplementation only becomes a burden.
November 20, 2008
Zhang Cuifen / Taipei Report
Selenium and vitamin E have long been regarded as beneficial for prostate health. However, a large-scale study in the United States found that additional supplementation of these nutrients "does more harm than good," not only failing to prevent prostate cancer but potentially leading to elevated blood sugar levels and worsening cancer conditions. This extensive research project was halted in October of this year.
The National Cancer Institute (NCI) conducted a ten-year trial on 35,000 men over the age of 50, testing the effects of selenium and vitamin E supplementation. By the seventh year, it was discovered that these supplements might not prevent prostate cancer and could instead cause other side effects, prompting the study to be terminated early at the end of October this year.
Dr. Zhang Shuren, a urologist at Hoxi Hospital, stated that the study showed neither 200 micrograms of selenium, 400 international units of vitamin E, nor a combination of the two could effectively prevent prostate cancer. The research also found that using selenium alone might increase the risk of diabetes, while using vitamin E alone might raise the risk of prostate cancer, though the data lacked statistical significance.
After treatment, prostate cancer patients are often advised to supplement with selenium and vitamin E. Dr. Zhang Shuren said, "Based on the results of this large-scale trial, we no longer recommend that men take additional supplements to prevent prostate cancer. This is a significant declaration in prostate cancer prevention and treatment."
Dr. Yu Daxiong, Vice President of Tri-Service General Hospital and a urologist, emphasized that prostate cancer patients should maintain a balanced diet, get adequate rest, and maintain regular exercise habits, without the need for additional nutrient supplementation.
Dr. Zhang Shuren pointed out that the early diagnosis rate of prostate cancer in Taiwan has increased from 38.8% seven or eight years ago to 48% today. However, the rate in the United States is as high as 80-90%, indicating that Taiwan still has considerable room for improvement.
According to statistics, prostate cancer has surpassed cervical cancer in both new cases and deaths, ranking sixth among the top ten cancers in Taiwan. Doctors note that prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers in men, related to genetics, hormones, environmental factors, microbial infections, and lifestyle habits.
Early-stage prostate cancer often has no symptoms and requires early diagnosis through rectal exams, blood tests for prostate-specific antigen, or ultrasound. Those with a family history of prostate cancer or a diet high in fatty foods who experience symptoms such as difficulty urinating or bone pain should seek immediate medical attention for a thorough examination.
Source: http:/ / n. yam. com/ chinatimes/ ……y/ 200811/ 20081120686141. html
Vitamin E and Selenium Worsen Prostate Cancer
Zhang Cuifen / Taipei Report
Selenium and vitamin E have long been regarded as beneficial for prostate health. However, a large-scale study in the United States found that additional supplementation of these nutrients "does more harm than good," not only failing to prevent prostate cancer but potentially leading to elevated blood sugar levels and worsening cancer conditions. This extensive research project was halted in October of this year.
The National Cancer Institute (NCI) conducted a ten-year trial on 35,000 men over the age of 50, testing the effects of selenium and vitamin E supplementation. By the seventh year, it was discovered that these supplements might not prevent prostate cancer and could instead cause other side effects, prompting the study to be terminated early at the end of October this year.
Dr. Zhang Shuren, a urologist at Hoxi Hospital, stated that the study showed neither 200 micrograms of selenium, 400 international units of vitamin E, nor a combination of the two could effectively prevent prostate cancer. The research also found that using selenium alone might increase the risk of diabetes, while using vitamin E alone might raise the risk of prostate cancer, though the data lacked statistical significance.
After treatment, prostate cancer patients are often advised to supplement with selenium and vitamin E. Dr. Zhang Shuren said, "Based on the results of this large-scale trial, we no longer recommend that men take additional supplements to prevent prostate cancer. This is a significant declaration in prostate cancer prevention and treatment."
Dr. Yu Daxiong, Vice President of Tri-Service General Hospital and a urologist, emphasized that prostate cancer patients should maintain a balanced diet, get adequate rest, and maintain regular exercise habits, without the need for additional nutrient supplementation.
Dr. Zhang Shuren pointed out that the early diagnosis rate of prostate cancer in Taiwan has increased from 38.8% seven or eight years ago to 48% today. However, the rate in the United States is as high as 80-90%, indicating that Taiwan still has considerable room for improvement.
According to statistics, prostate cancer has surpassed cervical cancer in both new cases and deaths, ranking sixth among the top ten cancers in Taiwan. Doctors note that prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers in men, related to genetics, hormones, environmental factors, microbial infections, and lifestyle habits.
Early-stage prostate cancer often has no symptoms and requires early diagnosis through rectal exams, blood tests for prostate-specific antigen, or ultrasound. Those with a family history of prostate cancer or a diet high in fatty foods who experience symptoms such as difficulty urinating or bone pain should seek immediate medical attention for a thorough examination.
Source: http:/ / n. yam. com/ chinatimes/ ……y/ 200811/ 20081120686141. html