Selenium Important for Bladder Health

by CP Staff

Research regarding the association between low levels of selenium and bladder health was recently analyzed to determine selenium’s role in promoting normal bladder function. Selenium is a trace mineral that plays an important role with free-radical scavenging enzymes.

In this new meta-analysis, researchers compiled the data from 7 previous studies that evaluated selenium levels and its role in impacting bladder function. The results showed that increased selenium levels, measured in the serum and in toenails, were associated with enhanced bladder health. More specifically, increased selenium levels decreased the risk of bladder issues by 5 percent in men and 39 percent in women. The researchers suggested that this gender-specific protective effect may be due to differences in the accumulation and excretion of selenium.

The researchers stated, “Although these results suggest a protective effect of selenium, additional large studies are warranted to support this preliminary evidence.”

Reference:

Amaral AF, Cantor KP, Silverman DT, Malats N. Selenium and Bladder Cancer Risk: a Meta-analysis. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev. 2010 Aug 31. Published Online Ahead of Print.