Supplements and Prostate Cancer

Supplements have become a part of preventing prostate cancer. Over the past decade, several studies have been conducted at well-respected research institutions in Europe and the United States confirming the effectiveness of supplements in preventing prostate cancer and the cell growth associated with the disease.

Causes

• The exact causes of prostate cancer are unknown. Research has indicated that some of the contributing factors are diet, genetics, heredity, age and testosterone levels. There is also evidence that deficiencies in certain supplements may cause prostate cancer. For example, an article published in the well-known and highly respected British medical journal Lancet concluded that a lack of vitamin D can cause prostate cancer.

Types

• As a result of multiple clinical trials, supplements were tested in order to determine their effectiveness in the treatment and prevention of prostate cancer. These supplements are epigallocatechin (found in green tea), lycopene (watermelon, tomato and tomato-based products), selenium (walnut, fish, beef, turkey and chicken), genistein (soybeans, tofu and soy milk), vitamin E (vegetable and nut oils, sweet potatoes and mayonnaise) and vitamin D (dairy products, breakfast cereal and eggs).

Function

• Green tea (epigallocatechin) interferes with the biochemical reactions of cancer cells. Under its influence, the cancer cells stop dividing and sometimes self-destruct. Lycopene reduces the growth of cancer cells caused by testosterone. Vitamin E may prevent prostate cancer due to its antioxidant activity and the suppression of testosterone levels.

Warnings

• Consuming too much folic acid from supplements can raise a man's risk of prostate cancer. A 10-year study concluded that men who took folic acid supplements faced more than twice the risk of prostate cancer as those who didn't take the supplements according to a report done in the March 10 online issue of the Journal of the National Cancer Institute. Researchers also concluded that consuming too much folic acid is not necessarily beneficial, but adequate levels may be.

Misconceptions

• Some products in the market today advertise that they are effective in promoting prostate health and also suggest that they help in preventing prostate cancer. In most instances, however, these products have not been tested by the Food and Drug Administration. It is essential that consumers look into a product and find out if it has been evaluated before purchasing it.