HealthLink: Selenium is inversely associated with bladder cancer risk
Selenium is an essential trace mineral that has been studied for its suspected anti-carcinogenic properties. A population case-control study in 178 cases and 362 controls from Belgium recently investigated the relationship between selenium serum concentrations and bladder cancer risk. Higher serum selenium concentrations were associated with a lower risk of bladder cancer according to the findings reported in the International Journal of Urology (September, 2006).
After adjusting for age, sex, smoking status, fruit and vegetable intake, antioxidant vitamins A, C and E, and occupational exposure to certain chemicals, the following results were observed: the odds of bladder cancer were 53% lower in subjects in the second tertile (82.40-95.99 µg/L serum selenium), compared to those in the first tertile (1.50-82.39 µg/L serum selenium). The decrease in odds was even more pronounced at 73% in the third tertile (=96.00 µg/L serum selenium) compared to the first tertile.
Earlier studies have also found an inverse relationship between selenium and cancer mortality in humans. Epidemiological studies focusing on colon, lung and prostate cancer suggest that high selenium intakes may help to reduce cancer risk.
Selenium is incorporated into proteins to produce selenoproteins which are important antioxidant enzymes that are required to regulate immune function and protect against cellular damage. The current Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for selenium is 55 µg daily for adults. This value was established based on the amount needed to maximize the glutathione peroxidase activity. However, recent evidence suggests that intakes above those recommended to maximize selenoprotein synthesis may be beneficial. Meat, poultry and fish are among the richest sources of dietary selenium.
CONSUMER TIPS:
Selenium is a mineral that is essential to good health to support immune function and protect cells from damage. Meat, poultry and fish are among the best food sources of selenium. Whole grains and enriched pastas and breads also provide selenium.
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WANT TO LEARN MORE? See the abstract: Kellen E, Zeegers M, Buntinx F. in the
International Journal of Urology
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