Increasing selenium intake may decrease bladder cancer risk
According to results of a study published in the September issue of Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention, a journal of the American Association for Cancer Research, selenium intake is associated with decreased risk of bladder cancer.
“The lower the levels of selenium, the higher the risk of developing bladder cancer,” said lead researcher Núria Malats, M.D., Ph.D., leader of the Genetic and Molecular Epidemiology Group, Human Cancer Genetics Program, Spanish National Cancer Research Center.
Selenium is an essential micronutrient that is incorporated into about 25 proteins, called selenoproteins. Most of these selenoproteins are enzymes with antioxidant properties that prevent cellular damage caused by the by-products of oxygen metabolism, according to Malats. The main dietary sources of this micronutrient are plant foods grown in selenium-rich soils, animals who graze on these soils and selenium-enriched products.
Read the whole article at ecancermedicalscience
Reference
- Amaral AFS, Cantor KP, Silverman DT, Malats N. Selenium and Bladder Cancer Risk: a Meta-analysis. (August 31, 2010) Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev, 10.1158/1055-9965.EPI-10-0544.
Keywords: selenium, bladder cancer
1. 9. 2010 ecancermedicalscience
