Information about Prostate Cancer

The Connection Between Prostate Cancer And Vitamin E Supplements

According to a recent study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, men who regularly take Vitamin E supplements increase the risk of developing prostate cancer. Reported in the study was that about 16 percent men are at risk of developing prostate cancer. Though normally caught early, it involves high cost treatment as well as sexual, urinary and bowel-related discomfort.

 

The Effects of Vitamin E

 Why was the risk related to Vitamin E not detected earlier? The researchers observed that the risk of developing prostate cancer is reflected only after a very extended period of time. In other words, the Vitamin E effect stays on in the body long after the supplement intake is discontinued; hence, it can affect the prostate gland long after the intake of the supplement, which makes it difficult to identify as a primary cause.

 

The scientists while commenting on the research study pointed out that, ".17 percent increase in prostate cance r incidence demonstrates the potential for seemingly innocuous yet biologically active substances such as vitamins to cause harm."

 

It is therefore very important that any long term dietary supplements, including vitamins, be taken with caution and under the advice and supervision of a qualified physician.

 

The research study also pointed that there is no reduction in the risk of prostate cancer with the administration of selenium. The emphasis of the study was on long-term administration of Vitamin E and its correlation with the onset of prostate cancer in healthy men over 50 years of age.

 

Medical statistics have it that more than 50 percent males over 60 are regularly taking various dietary supplements that contain Vitamin E. Out of this group, about 23% take about 400 IU per day, while the recommended dosage is only 22.4 IU per day. In the light of this backdrop, the findings of this study are very significant.

 

Given the fact that Vitamin E is known for its beneficial effects on various age-related ailments such as arthritis, aging, diabetes control, male fertility, Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, skin conditions, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COOPD), , PMS, breast cancer and heart diseases among others this research finding raises some very interesting questions.

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