Natural Vitamin E, Selenium, Zinc and Prostate Health
   by James Occhiogrosso, N.D.

Health Naturally - Home Page

This article is a condensation of several pages from my book about natural vitamin E, selenium and zinc. These three substances work synergistically to improve prostate health.  Like nearly every man in my family, I have lived with prostate problems for many years.  The research I reviewed while writing my book strongly convinced me that a high intake of natural vitamin E—in combination with selenium and zinc—is absolutely essential for a healthy prostate.

Vitamin E — is a well-known antioxidant promoted as a preventive agent for several problems.  It has been the subject of many studies for the prevention and amelioration of prostate disorders, and in combination with selenium is probably the most valuable vitamin for prostate health.

Vitamin E comes in natural (d-alpha-tocopherol) and synthetic (dl-alpha-tocopherol) forms. The natural form is more active and is preferred.  Actually, vitamin E is a family of eight slightly different molecules that are divided into two groups, tocopherols and tocotrienols.  Each group contains four forms of vitamin E named alpha, beta, gamma, and delta.  Many studies conclude that the d-alpha-tocopherol form of vitamin E has some ability to inhibit prostate cancer growth.  Other fractions of vitamin E are not as well studied as the d-alpha-tocopherol form, but recent studies indicate they are even more powerful. A significant decrease in risk of prostate cancer is associated with the d-gamma-tocopherol form of vitamin E. [1] [2]  The SELECT study did not use the d-gamma-tocopherol form of vitamin E.

A study in Finland, designed to evaluate the use of vitamin E and beta-carotene for lung cancer prevention among male smokers had the unexpected result of a strong protective effect of vitamin E on the incidence of prostate cancer and mortality. [3] [4]  Other studies followed the Finland study in an attempt to confirm this benefit.  One concluded that while supplemental vitamin E did not appear to be associated with the risk of prostate cancer, it did appear to reduce the risk of fatal prostate cancer among current smokers and recent quitters.  Smoking depletes vitamin C and a recent study also noted a similar depletion of vitamin E that can be prevented with higher intake of Vitamin C. [5]  This strongly suggests a synergistic effect between these vitamins.

Considerable evidence also exists for a synergistic relationship between vitamin E and selenium.  Studies show conclusively that vitamin E and selenium are protective against both prostate and breast disorders.  This synergistic relationship is particularly strong in regard to switching on the full effects of the body’s apoptosis (natural cell death) machinery against cancerous growths. [6]  A recent study of men with prostate cancer noted significant deficiencies of the vitamins A, C, and E, and the minerals selenium and zinc in the cancer patients as compared with healthy men. [7]  Vitamin E, in particular, generally inhibits cell proliferation and enhances apoptosis in both breast and prostate cancer cells.  This alteration of growth and natural cell death of dividing cells by vitamin E and selenium is significantly more effective in breast and prostate cancer than other cancers.  [8] [9] 

Recent research on the effects of the tocotrienol fractions of vitamin E strongly indicates they can help with many other problems.  One study found that tocotrienols could help clear blockages in the carotid arteries (the main suppliers of blood to the brain), potentially reducing the risk of stroke. [10]  Others have shown that tocotrienols can reduce the level of low-density lipoproteins (LDL), the bad form of cholesterol in the blood, as well as improve nervous system communication. [11] [12]  Narrowing of arteries in the human body does not occur in isolation.  If there are deposits in the carotid arteries, then it is likely that similar problems exist in penile arteries.  Thus, tocotrienols may help with erectile dysfunction caused by impaired blood circulation and clogged arteries. 

The different fractions of vitamin E appear to work together (synergistically) to provide maximum benefit.  Most vitamin E supplements sold today contain only alpha-tocopherol, and this is the type of vitamin E used in most studies.  In the recent past, there has been conflicting news about vitamin E in the media.  Several studies found supplementation with vitamin E to be ineffective in reducing deaths from cardiovascular disease and concluded that large doses may be harmful.  However, foods known to be high in natural vitamin E are protective against many diseases.  One study found a protective effect against Alzheimer’s disease using full spectrum vitamin E from food instead of a single fraction alpha-tocopherol supplement. [13]  Studies have shown that certain foods, like nuts and certain oils, which contain copious amounts of all eight fractions of vitamin E, are highly protective against cancer.  Thus, foods provide a much broader spectrum of the vitamin E components then do most over-the-counter vitamin E supplements.  Excepting the past decade or so, studies of vitamin E centered on the alpha-tocopherol fraction.  This likely accounts for much of the conflicting results.  Unfortunately, the tocotrienol fractions of vitamin E have not been studied as extensively as the tocopherol group.  However, recent research indicates tocotrienol has significant activity for the prevention of prostate and breast cancer.  [14] [15] [16] [17] 

One study concludes:

“The physiological activities of tocotrienol suggest it to be superior than alpha-tocopherol in many situations. Hence, the role of tocotrienol in the prevention of cardiovascular disease and cancer may have significant clinical implications. Additional studies on its mechanism of action, as well as, long-term intervention studies, are needed to clarify its function. From the pharmacological point-of-view, the current formulation of vitamin E supplements, which is comprised mainly of alpha-tocopherol, may be questionable.”  [18]

The tocopherol fractions of vitamin E may also inhibit cancer cell growth.  Both alpha-tocopherol and gamma-tocopherol have been proven to be effective in controlling the growth of prostate cancer.  However, gamma-tocopherol appears to offer benefits that are more significant. [19] [20]  A study that compared the effects of synthetic alpha-tocopherol to natural gamma-tocopherol found that the latter inhibited prostate cancer growth at concentrations 1,000 times lower.  [21]  Note that the SELECT trial used only synthetic alpha-tocopherol.

It is important to take only natural vitamin E supplements, prefixed with “d” instead of “dl.”  Most over-the-counter vitamin E products, especially inexpensive ones, contain only synthetic alpha-tocopherol (dl-alpha-tocopherol). Thus, the benefits derived from taking them are, at best, marginal.  Acceptable vitamin E supplements contain at least the four tocopherol components in natural form.  Better supplements also have all four tocotrienol fractions derived from palm oil.  Unfortunately, the latter are expensive, but then, so is treating prostate cancer! 

Palm oil is exceptionally high in tocotrienols and is the preferred source.  It is also an excellent general-purpose oil that is stable and provides good texture and flavor.  In our society though, when cost issues are weighed against health issues in food processing, cost issues usually win.  Vegetable oils are considerably cheaper than palm, coconut, or olive oils, and thus they are the primary oils used by both manufacturers and consumers. 

While it is best to obtain vitamin E from food products rather than supplements, it is difficult to obtain sufficient levels solely from food.  However, there are many foods that are high in vitamin E.  Good dietary sources of vitamin E are virtually all nuts and seeds, particularly almonds and walnuts, and oils like palm, olive, and coconut. 

The Prostate Cancer Research Institute recommends a dose of 400 IU of natural vitamin E as d-alpha-tocopherol, along with 210 mg of d-gamma-tocopherol as part of its basic preventative measures. [22]  In light of the latest research, it seems prudent to take a vitamin E supplement that contains all eight of the vitamin E fractions along with the above.  Again, your supplement should contain only natural forms of vitamin E, with palm oil being the preferred source for the tocotrienols.  The natural tocotrienols in palm oil has also been shown to be protective for your heart.  [23]

Selenium — An important dietary trace element, selenium has been found to increase immunity in a way that is protective against both breast and prostate disease.  It seems selenium offers a mediating effect by actually killing cancer cells at different stages. [24] [25]  Thus, selenium appears to target both nonclinical and clinical disease. [*]  The actual way selenium does this is unclear, but studies suggest it targets multiple pathways.  Selenium mediates cancer cell development by preventing the cells from developing and by causing developing cancer cells to self-destruct.  Many reports have confirmed this effect making selenium a well-studied protective element against prostate disease. [26] [27] [28] [29] [30] [31] [32] 

Two reports studied the incidence of prostate disease verses selenium levels measured from toenail clippings. [33] [34]  Both confirmed that relatively high selenium intake (compared to the current RDA) can reduce both the incidence and risk of prostate cancer, and especially reduces the risk of developing aggressive prostate cancer. 

A recent study examined the relationship between selenium and the alpha and gamma tocopherol fractions of vitamin E.  Blood samples from 117 men that developed prostate cancer were compared to samples from a control group of 233 men.  The study found a protective effect with the alpha-tocopherol fraction of vitamin E.  However, of greater significance was the finding that men with the highest levels of gamma-tocopherol had a five-to-one reduction in the risk for developing prostate cancer as compared to those with the lowest levels.  Also noted was that the statistically significant protection offered by high levels of selenium and alpha-tocopherol occurred only when gamma-tocopherol levels were also high. [35]  This study is quite significant because it evaluated a large group of men over a seven-year period.  Synergy between various vitamin E fractions and selenium has been noted in other studies as well. 

The recommended daily intake of selenium is 55 mcg, with an upper safe limit of 400 mcg.  Many experts recommend between 100 and 200 micrograms (mcg) per day though the significant protective effect appears to be at the higher intake level.  Most of the studies I have reviewed used a level of 200 mcg.  While more research is needed to determine the optimal dose, 200 to 400 mcg per day appears safe and prudent, particularly if little selenium is obtained from the diet.  Most seeds and nuts, as well as poultry and eggs are high in selenium.

Zinc — is an essential trace element that plays an important role in many body processes. Studies have found that men with prostate disease have lower levels of zinc in their bodies than healthy men.  According to Michael Murray, N.D, the author of Male Sexual Vitality—Chronic prostate infections are often linked to a lack of dietary zinc.  Prostate glands containing cancer generally have lower levels of zinc than healthy glands. 

There are many processes in the body involved in the repair of DNA that require zinc to function properly.  Since the prostate has the highest concentration of zinc of any organ in the body, it is reasonable to assume that a zinc deficiency would affect it significantly.  A unique metabolic capability gives the prostate the ability to accumulate zinc.  This is partially mediated by the action of the hormone, testosterone.  One effect of this zinc accumulation is to inhibit abnormal growth of the prostate, primarily by increasing the rate of normal programmed cell death (apoptosis). [36]  One study found a dose-response effect where supplemental zinc reduced the risk of prostate problems significantly.  This same study also found a lesser, but also significant dose-response protective effect for vitamins C and E, and multi-mineral supplements.  [37]

Zinc is an important regulator of many metabolic processes in the body, particularly in the prostate.  One of these processes is citrate metabolism.  The prostate gland accumulates and secretes extraordinarily high levels of citrate.  This process is dependent on an ample supply of zinc in the prostate.  In an unhealthy prostate, the ability to accumulate both zinc and citrates is altered.  With BPH, zinc accumulation may be normal but citrate production may be increased.  But with prostate cancer, the ability to accumulate zinc and produce citrates is impaired.  The human body is all about balance.  Studies have found that low testosterone levels generally accompany low levels of zinc and citrates in the prostate. [38] [39]  Reduced zinc and poor citrate metabolism in prostatic cells, along with low testosterone levels, is characteristic of most men with prostate cancer.

Most foods contain small amounts of zinc.  Processed foods lose most of their zinc in the processing.  Legumes, seeds, and nuts contain relatively high amounts of zinc and are worthwhile additions to your diet.  Pumpkin seeds in particular, are a good source of zinc.  Some breakfast cereals also have reasonable amounts of zinc.  The daily recommended dietary allowance (RDA) of zinc for men is 12 to 15 milligrams.  But many experts recommend higher levels in the order of 25 to 80 mg/day for optimum health.  As with most nutrients, older adults need more zinc than younger ones. [40]  While it is best to get adequate amounts of zinc from food, this is not always possible.  There has been some controversy about whether high levels of zinc supplementation (greater than 100 mg/day) negate zinc’s protective effects and instead tend to impair the immune system and increase the risk of developing prostate cancer. [41] [42] [43] 

Zinc and cadmium tend to occur together naturally, and some zinc supplements are not purified sufficiently to remove all traces of cadmium. [44]  Cadmium is a toxic element and a known risk factor for prostate problems, and the results of some studies may have been influenced by the presence of cadmium.  You should make sure zinc supplements come from reputable sources.  According to one study, zinc gluconate supplements consistently had the lowest levels of cadmium. As with most items, it is nearly impossible to overdose on nutrients from natural foods.  Zinc from food sources has not been associated with an increased risk of prostate problems.  Aim to get most of your zinc from food, and take only enough supplemental zinc to bring yourself to the optimal daily amount (ODA).  Unfortunately, there is considerable disagreement over what the ODA for zinc should be.  Until this is defined better, it is prudent to keep your total daily intake of zinc to around 50 mg per day.