Increased risk of cancer with high levels of vitamin E and selenium

Dietary supplements: Vitamin E and selenium can increase cancer risk

05/10/2014

Dietary supplements have been trendy for years. According to a new study, however, the uncontrolled intake of vitamin E and selenium could increase the risk of developing cancer. Experts recommend taking dietary supplements and trace elements exclusively on the recommendation of a medical doctor.

Selenium can increase the risk of prostate cancer
Dietary supplements with vitamins and trace elements have been in vogue for years. As research shows, it could also hurt his health enormously. Six years ago, the US National Cancer Institute provided the study „Selenium and Vitamin E Cancer Prevention Trail“ (SELECT) caused a stir when it showed that taking vitamin E did not bring any benefits, but on the contrary, it increases the risk of cancer. No less alarming are the results of a recent follow-up study. Thus, selenium in high doses can increase the risk of prostate cancer. Apparently there are also complex cancer-promoting interactions between vitamin E and selenium.

Uncontrolled intake is strongly discouraged
„The current study clearly shows us the dangers of uncontrolled intake of vitamin E and selenium. Both are contained in nutritional supplements that can be purchased at any supermarket, and in the worst case can lead to the disease of fatal prostate cancer“, warned Kurt Widhalm, President of the Austrian Academic Institute of Nutritional Medicine (ÖAIE), according to a press release. Therefore, the ÖAIE strongly advises against the uncontrolled intake of seemingly harmless dietary supplements. „You should generally be careful with taking all supplements for a long time“, so Widhalm.

Vitamin and trace element pills are not fundamentally harmful
However, the warning does not mean that vitamin and trace element pills are fundamentally harmful. „It is not a problem if someone takes selenium for heart problems for a few weeks or months.“ However, Widhalm strongly advises not to consume supplements for prolonged periods without medical supervision due to the sometimes very high concentrations. The nutritionist also emphasized the importance of regularly controlling the intake. „Not everyone takes the substances equally well and not everyone has the same reserves. The effect of supplements should therefore be checked regularly.“ He draws a comparison to medication for hypertension: „Again, the doctor checks whether the funds act as desired or whether the dose must be adjusted.“

Many seniors take too many supplements
A few months ago, the director of the Institute for Epidemiology II at the Helmholtz Zentrum München (HMGU), Professor Dr. Annette Peters, that so far „current and population-based data on the use of supplements in the elderly“ would be largely absent for Europe. Nevertheless, many seniors would swallow too many of these remedies. 54 percent of women and 34 percent of men over the age of 64 would therefore consume additional vitamins, minerals or other additives, for example to prevent vitamin or magnesium deficiency or to protect themselves from diseases. Even though the German Society of Nutrition (DGE) says that especially those in need of care often have a shortage of calcium, vitamin D, vitamin E, folic acid and fiber, the nutrient supply of whole grains, vegetables and fruits could be improved. Vitamin E can also be consumed with high-quality oils, for example. (Ad)