Can selenium stop cancer from spreading? What the research says

Selenium, a trace element, naturally found in water, soil and some foods like Brazil Nuts in very small amounts can boost many body functions like thyroid, immune, DNA repair, heart and brain health. Of late, it has been gaining a lot of attention due to its antioxidant properties that can protect cells from damage caused by aging, lifestyle choices, and even pollution.Brazil nuts, eggs, sunflower seeds, brown rice, chicken, tuna, cottage cheese, and mushrooms are among selenium-rich foods.While in recommended amounts, selenium could be beneficial for cancer prevention and help promote heart and brain health, in excess it can cause toxicity and the side effects include breathing issues, kidney failure, and heart problems. At even high levels, selenium toxicity could be fatal.In adults, the recommended dose of selenium is 55 micrograms per day, while the upper limit for the mineral is 400 micrograms beyond which it can have harmful effects.Selenium's potential to treat or prevent cancer has been studied for decades now and the results have been mixed.A large scale 'The Selenium and Vitamin E Cancer Prevention Trial' involved 35,500 men and ran from 2001 to 2004. However, the findings didn't go in favour of selenium as it was found that taking the mineral daily did not reduce prostate cancer risk and may even increase the risk of prostate cancer in men with already high selenium levels.The Nutritional Prevention of Cancer Trial - another study conducted from 1983 to 1996 indicated that selenium may protect against prostate and other cancers. However, it was also found an elevated incidence of nonmelanoma skin cancer among participants.The latest research by Aliasger K. Salem, Professor of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Iowa the findings of which the author shared on an article for Conversation highlights the mineral's potential as a supplement in chemotherapy for cancer treatment.The compounds in selenium like methylseleninic acid, or MSA, and seleno-L-methionine, or SLM, show potential in targeting proteins that drive tumor progression and treatment resistance.Salem and his team discovered that MSA, a compound in selenium, can affect important processes linked to kidney cancer. It lowers proteins that help tumors grow and avoid the immune system. The study also showed that MSA might slow kidney tumor growth in mice without causing harmful side effects.Also it was found that combining another selenium compound SLM with the chemotherapy drug axitinib was effective in treating metastatic kidney cancer in patients, with minimal side effects.Of the 27 patients who were treated, more than half saw their tumours shrink in size. The findings point towards selenium's synergistic effect on chemotherapy by making it more effective.1. Brazil nutsBrazil nuts are one of the richest natural sources of selenium. However, they should be eaten in moderation. Just a single nut provides around 95 micrograms of selenium, which is nearly double the recommended daily intake. Experts suggest limiting selenium intake to no more than 400 micrograms per day to prevent potential health issues.2. SeafoodSeafood is naturally high in selenium, making it a valuable addition to a balanced diet. A 3-ounce portion of yellowfin tuna or halibut can deliver around 92 micrograms, while canned sardines offer about 45 micrograms for the same serving size.3. EggsEggs are a convenient way to add selenium to meals. One large egg contains roughly 28% of the recommended daily selenium intake, with most of it found in the yolk. For those keeping an eye on cholesterol, the egg white alone still provides about 9 micrograms.4. OatmealOatmeal is a versatile selenium source that works well in breakfasts, smoothies, and baked recipes. A cup of instant oatmeal offers around 10 micrograms, while raw oats pack up to 23 micrograms of selenium per cup.