Selenium Supplementation and Cancer Prevention

Abstract

The essential trace element selenium has been shown to have cancer preventive potential by a converging body of epidemiologic and preclinical studies. Although randomized controlled trials suggest a benefit against liver cancer, results at other sites are not as consistent. The Nutritional Prevention of Cancer Trial provided evidence that selenium-enriched yeast can protect against total cancer incidence and the incidence of prostate, lung, and colorectal cancer. In contrast, in the Selenium and Vitamin E Cancer Prevention Trial (SELECT), selenomethionine provided no protection against prostate, lung, or colorectal cancer. Results from these trials suggest that the cancer protective effects of selenium probably depend on the baseline selenium status of the individual, chemical form of selenium utilized, gender, and genetic polymorphisms in selenoproteins or in cancer-related processes. © 2011 Springer Science+Business Media, LLC (outside the USA).