Selenium and Vitamin E Increase Risk of Prostate Cancer, Study Finds

A study led by the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center find that high dose supplementation of selenium and vitamin E increases the risk of prostate cancer.

Data for the study is based on the Selenium and Vitamin E Cancer Prevention Trial. It is a clinical trial funded by the National Cancer Institute to see if either of the two substances can help prevent prostate cancer when taken as dietary supplements

The study which started in 2001 involved 35,000 men find that 17 percent of men who took vitamin E had an increased risk of prostate cancer. Men with high baseline selenium levels increased cancer risk by 91% by taking selenium supplements. For those with low selenium levels, taking vitamin E supplements increased their prostate cancer risk 63 percent and an increased risk for high-grade cancer by 111 percent.

Selenium is naturally present in many foods and is also available as a dietary supplement. It is used by the body in reproduction, thyroid hormone metabolism, DNA synthesis, and protection from oxidative damage and infection. Seafoods and organ meats are good sources of selenium as well as muscle meats, cereals and other grains, and dairy products.

The study advises that men 55 years old and older should should avoid Vitamin E and Selenium supplementation above the recommended daily dietary intakes; 55 mcg for selenium and 15 mg for vitamin E.

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men. Each year, there are about 300,000 men diagnosed with prostate cancer in the U.S.

Vitamin B Supplements Reduce Risk of Stroke

New research suggests that taking vitamin B supplements help reduce the risk of stroke.

B Vitamins are a group of vitamins that help in cell metabolism. They help in the formation of red blood cells as well as turning food into energy and other needed substances. Each vitamin in the group are chemically distinct from each other and can be found in the same source. Vitamin B complex supplements are supplements that contain all eight vitamins in the group.

Previously, there were more than eight vitamins in the group but were removed from the group as they were no longer considered to be vitamins. This explains the gaps found in the numbering system of the eight B vitamins (B1 (thiamine), B2 (riboflavin), B3 (niacin), B5 (pantothenic acid), B6 (pyridoxine), B7 (biotin), B9 (Folic Acid), and B12 (cobalamin).

B vitamins can be sourced from proteins such as fish, poultry, meat, eggs, and dairy products. Leafy green vegetables, beans, and peas also have B vitamins. Many cereals and some breads have added B vitamins.

Allergic Patients Should Be Advised Of Anaphylaxis From Bee Pollen Supplement

Bee pollen are pollen granules collected and processed by bees.

It is collected from flowers during pollination. The pollen contains small amounts of minerals and vitamins and is very high in protein and carbohydrates.

The pollen is made by worker honeybees who pack the collected pollen into granules (pollen balls) with added honey or nectar. The pollen is also mixed with enzymes, fungi and bacteria. This results in pollen that is higher in nutrition than untreated pollen and is the primary source of protein for the hive.

The average composition of bee pollen is said to be 55% carbohydrates, 35% proteins, 3% minerals and vitamins, 2% fatty acids, and 5% of diverse other components.

Bee pollen supplements can cause anaphylactic reactions

Although many people take bee pollen as a health supplement, it can cause severe anaphylactic reactions. However, most people are unaware of the risks, states an article published in CMAJ (Canadian Medical Association Journal).

A case study in the journal illuminates the possible hazards of ingesting bee pollen. A 30-year-old woman with seasonal allergies but no history of allergies to food, drugs, insects or latex had an anaphylactic reaction after taking bee pollen. She had swelling of the eyelids, lips and throat, difficulty swallowing, hives and other life-threatening symptoms. After emergency treatment and discontinuation of the bee pollen supplements, there were no further reactions.