A study released last month showed that high blood levels of
major vitamin E components, alpha- and gamma- tocopherol, appear
to reduce the risk of prostate cancer by roughly 50%.
The findings were based on an analysis of 100 men who developed
prostate cancer and 200 who remained free of cancer. Men with the
highest levels of alpha-tocopherol at the beginning of the study,
before anyone had developed prostate cancer, were 51% less likely
to develop prostate cancer compared to those with the lowest
levels. Also, men with the highest levels of gamma-tocopherol
were 43% less likely to develop prostate cancer vs. those with
the lowest levels.
A supplement that contains natural vitamin E, which has all of
the various tocopherols, is advisable for any male. Read
supplement labels carefully. Many cheap vitamin E supplements do
not contain all of the tocopherols that you need.
Another study released in March showed that consumption of
dietary carotenoids reduces the incidence of prostate cancer.
Carotenoids are pigments that give plant foods their distinctive
colors. The carotenoids noted as protective in this study were
lycopene, alpha-carotene, beta-carotene and other carotenoids.
Consumption of tomatoes, spinach and citrus were associated with
a lower rate of prostate cancer. If you’re not eating 5-7
servings of vegetables and fruits every day, you may wish to
consider supplementation with a “mixed carotenoids” supplement
formula.
Green tea has been shown in numerous studies to reduce the risk
of prostate cancer. A paper presented at the recent American
Association for Cancer Research meeting analyzed two groups of
men at a high risk for developing prostate cancer. One group of
32 men took a green tea extract for one year. Another group of 30
men took a placebo. After a year, only one man in the tea extract
group got prostate cancer, whereas nine men in the placebo group
got prostate cancer.
The green tea extract used in the study contained a component of
green tea called EGCG. EGCG appears to specifically target
prostate cancer cells for death, without damaging normal cells.
You can obtain vitamin E with mixed tocopherols, a mixed
carotenoid formula, and a green tea extract containing EGCG from
our clinic dispensary. To place an order by phone, please call
toll-free 877-347-8600. If you have a concern about prostate
cancer, consult with one of our physicians.
Sources: Journal of the National Cancer Institute, March 2, 2005;
International Journal of Cancer, March 1, 2005; 96th Annual
Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research, April
20, 2005