Men who took vitamin E supplements as part of a clinical trial were at higher risk of developing prostate cancer long after they stopped taking them, according to research published in the Journal of the American Medical Association.

Here is some information about prostate cancer:

• It is the third most common cause of death from cancer among men

• African American men are at increased risk of developing it

• It usually occurs in men older than 60

In a study that ran from 2001 to 2004, researchers from the Cleveland Clinic randomly assigned more than 35,000 men with no early signs of prostate cancer to take vitamin E, selenium, both agents, or a placebo for three years. The men were all aged 55 and older, except for the black participants, who were aged 50 or older.

In an initial analysis of the results, taking vitamin E supplements was associated with a slightly higher risk of developing prostate cancer, but this association could not be confirmed. In a long-term follow-up of the men, however, those who were assigned to take vitamin E were found to have a statically significant 17% increased risk of prostate cancer compared with those who took a placebo.

Here is Dr. Eric Klein, the principal investigator of this study, with some further insight.

Today's research is one of many studies demonstrating lack of benefit and even potential harm associated with taking nutritional supplements. Taken together, these studies suggest that consumers should beware of unregulated over-the-counter supplements that make unverified health claims.

свернуть