The Claim
In healthy men aged 50 and older (55 for non-African Americans), supplementation with vitamin E, selenium, or both, over a 5.5-year period, does not reduce the incidence of prostate cancer.
What the research says
Supports is higher
Support is ahead, but a single strong opposing study can change this.
These are independent scores, not a percentage. Higher-grade studies count more, so a single strong opposing study can outweigh several weaker ones.
Taking vitamin E or selenium supplements, either alone or together, does not lower the risk of developing prostate cancer in healthy men aged 50 and older over a 5.5-year period.
See the scientific wording
In healthy men aged 50 and older (55 for non-African Americans), neither vitamin E nor selenium supplementation, alone or in combination, reduces the incidence of prostate cancer over a 5.5-year period, challenging the hypothesis that antioxidant supplementation prevents prostate cancer.
Taking vitamin E or selenium pills does not reduce the buildup of DNA damage in prostate cells or slow down the rate at which these cells multiply, so cancer does not become less common.
What the research says
1 studyStudy: Vitamin E and selenium do not decrease prostate cancer incidence: vitamin E may actually increase it
Taking vitamin E or selenium pills for over five years didn't help healthy older men avoid prostate cancer — and vitamin E might have made it more likely. So, the idea that these supplements prevent prostate cancer isn't supported.
Score breakdown, mechanism chain, raw evidence, ideal studies needed & 1 supporting studies
Not medical advice. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making health decisions.