Selenium for the colon

Better Nutrition, Feb, 2005

A higher level of the mineral selenium in the blood is now linked to a decreased risk of colorectal cancer.

Researchers conducted a pooled analysis--a study in which information collected from three previous randomized trials is assessed together--on the effects of various nutritional interventions for colorectal cancer prevention. All of the study participants formerly had undergone a colonoscopy in which an adenoma--a benign growth--was removed.

Analysis of the pooled data found that individuals with blood selenium values in the highest quartile were a third less likely to develop a new adenoma compared with those in the lowest quartile.

The findings were published in the November 17, 2004 issue of the Journal of the National Cancer Institute.

An editorial in the same issue noted that the findings are likely plausible given earlier clinical data and consistent findings in animal studies. The authors suggested that the findings should increase interest in further trials of selenium, alone or in combination with other promising agents, in preventing colon cancer.