Minerals Versus Cancer, Part II
Be Careful with Supplements
Encouraged by reports linking the mineral to cancer protection, people are buying – and taking – selenium supplements. In some Asia countries, they call selenium as the king of anti-cancer substances. But, a few words of caution are in order.
At high doses, selenium can cause health problems. Fatigue and irritability, as well as brittleness or loss of hair, have been seen in patients suffering from toxic amounts of selenium. A research scientist exposed to too much selenium developed bronchitis and skin problems.
How Much is Too Much?
According to the Food and Nutrition Board of the National Research Council, a long term intake of 2400 to 3000 micrograms of selenium per day would be expected to cause a toxic reaction.
Categories: Cancer, NUTRITION Tags: anti-cancer, esophagus cancer, iron, minerals, nitrites, nitrosamines, plummer-vinson syndrome, selenium, stomach cancer
Minerals Versus Cancer
Wouldn’t it be great to have a “quick fix” for every disease – pill that would prevent or cure all health problems? No one would have to give a thought to diet, exercise, or other health habits.
It is an alluring idea. Some have even proposed that the quick fix already does exist – in the form of a mineral called selenium.
But the wishful thinking is a little premature. There is some evidence that the minerals in our food play a role in preventing cancer. More research is needed, though, before we can draw any conclusions.
The Minerals in Food
Food contains a wide range of minerals. We need some of them in large amounts. Other minerals are required in very small amounts.
Nutritionists refer to the minerals needed in large amounts as major minerals. Those that we need in small amounts are known as trace minerals or trace elements.
Categories: Cancer, NUTRITION Tags: calcium, Cancer, cancer prevention, iron, minerals, selenium, trace elements, trace minerals, zinc
