Selenium - the cancer fighting mineral
Selenium is a very important trace mineral in human nutrition. It displays powerful ‘cleaning up” or anti-oxidant abilities which neutralize toxic substances in the body. People living in western societies such as the U.S., often don’t get enough selenium in their diet and may even be grossly deficient.
There are numerous health benefits from ensuring a healthy intake of selenium including its anti-cancer properties. Large numbers of clinical studies have observed selenium’s ability to reduce the risk of many types of cancer. Researchers have also found that selenium can influence gene expression to suppress tumour onset, growth and spread (metastasis).
In December 1996, an article was published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, documenting a study conducted by Dr Larry C. Clarke, of the University of Arizona Medical School, involving a group of 1312 people. They were given 200 micrograms of selenium daily for ten years. It was observed that selenium alone reduced the overall cancer mortality by a huge 50%. Prostate cancer was reduced by 63%, colorectal cancers by 58% and lung cancer by 46%, regardless of whether they were smokers or not. In another study conducted by the University of California, San Diego, selenium was seen to reduce breast cancer in women by 65-95% depending on the type.
Selenium deficiency increases your risk of cancer
Many large scale epidemiologic studies have shown that populations with low selenium levels have a significantly increased risk of developing different types of cancer. These studies show that having an adequate amount of dietary selenium can have preventive effects on common cancers. Multiple studies show that low selenium levels in the blood, hair, or nail clippings are associated with a 2 – 3-fold increase in overall cancer risk. For some types of cancer such as thyroid cancer, the risk rises to nearly 8-fold. Selenium deficiencies are now known to increase the risk of cancers of the lung, bladder, stomach, esophagus, and liver.Three forms of selenium most active in cancer prevention
Selenium can be obtained from a variety of different foods both from plant and animal sources. It comes in several forms and the body handles these in unique ways. The three forms of selenium most active in preventing cancer are –- Sodium selenite
- L-selenomethionine
- Selenium-methyl L-selenocysteine
What are the important differences?
- L-selenomethionine increases cancer cell death by apoptosis (cancer cell suicide), but only in cells with an intact "suicide" gene called p53.34.
- Selenium-methyl L-selenocysteine induces apoptosis in mutated cancer cells that lack this suicide gene.
- Inorganic sodium selenite more effectively increases genetic expression of a cell protector glutathione.
In Conclusion
There is a large amount of scientific evidence now available to suggest that selenium has anti-cancer effects. A diet rich in selenium is beneficial, of course, however supplementation of all three types of selenium, L-selenomethionine, sodium selenite and selenium-methyl l-selenocysteine would be worthwhile to ensure you get all of the anti-cancer benefits. Further links: All three types of selenium are needed to maximize cancer protection and survival rates. WE know of at least twelve mechanisms by which these selenium compounds do this. Future research will reveal more.- Regulation of lipoxygenase enzymes which produce inflammatory molecules that stimulate cancer growth.
- Reduction of oxidative stress that causes free radical damage.
- Protection of selenoproteins, which recycle antioxidants.
- Detoxification of the body from cancer causing heavy metals.
- Induction of protective “phase 2” liver enzymes that neutralize many carcinogenic toxins.
- Inhibition of DNA alterations (genetic damage), which initiates cancerous changes in cells.
- Inactivation of molecular transcription factors required by cancer cells to support their growth and development.
- Shutting down of the essential cell replication cycle needed by cancer cells to produce their explosive growth.
- Induction of apoptosis, the programmed cell death, which is missing in cancer cells, allowing them to continue to reproduce indefinitely and potentially live forever.
- Enhanced immune system activity to detect and destroy incipient cancer cells.
- Down-regulation of sex hormone receptors used by certain cancers to sustain their growth.
- Limiting effects on tumor invasion and metastasis.
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Thank you so much for your positive feedback.
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Jessah Robinson
Nutritional Consultant for Liverdoctor.com
I was diagnosed with bowel cancer 2 years ago... and then the 'monster' took to my liver and I had to have a resection of my liver..and then needed a left lung operation as the before mentioned 'monster' had also attacked the lung.... I was extremely fit prior to the above problems however chemo has destroyed my nerve endings (peripheral neuropathy) ...My life has been turned upside down....
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I wish you good health in the future.
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Jessah