Treating Cancer With Selenium

A study at the University of Arizona by Dr. Larry Clark in 1996 showed the effects of taking selenium can protect against cancer. 1,300 senior citizens took part in this study. The occurrence of cancer among those who took 200 micrograms of selenium daily for about seven years was reduced by 42 percent compared to those given a placebo. Cancer deaths for those taking the selenium were cut almost in half, according to the study that was published in the Journal of the American Medical Association. This study also showed that selenium protected against all types of cancer, but showed more promise with prostate, colorectal and lung cancer.

Life Extension Foundation, a non-profit research-based organization headquartered in Fort Lauderdale, Florida found the use of selenium during chemotherapy in combination with vitamin A and vitamin E can reduce the toxicity of chemotherapy drugs. Research has shown that it also enhance the effectiveness of chemo, radiation, and hyperthermia while minimizing damage to the patient's normal cells.

Additional research shows selenium, when used with vitamins C, E and beta-carotene, works to block chemical reactions that create free radicals in the body. Free radicals can damage DNA and cause degenerative change in cells, leading to cancer.

It is estimated that most Americans only get between 60 and 100 micrograms of selenium daily from dietary sources. The recommended dose of the mineral selenium is 200 micrograms a day.

Natural dietary food sources of selenium includes: Mushrooms, egg yolks, seafood, poultry and kidney, liver and muscle meats. Selenium in vegetables includes: Garlic, onions, broccoli, asparagus, and tomatoes. Others food sources are: Whole grains and seeds.

Even with eating the proper dietary food sources of selenium it is almost impossible to get the full daily amount without supplements. This is because it depends on the richness of the soil in which vegetables, grains and seed grow in relation to the selenium content in the food. It can be hard for average consumers to know how much of the mineral they are actually getting in their diets.

Then there are processed foods from the grocery store. This commercial process can strip the food from many of its vitamins and minerals.

How selenium works is that it activates an enzyme in the body called gluthathione peroxidase that protects against the formation of free radicals. Free radicals can damage DNA.

Selenium, in test tube studies, along with vitamin E showed it inhibited tumor growth and regulated the natural life span of cells, ensuring that they died when they were supposed to instead of turning malignant. The University of Arizona researchers say that selenium could be effective within a fairly short time frame. 

This does not mean to stop taking treatment or medication that your physician prescribed. But studies have shown promise with selenium in treating cancer.