Positive Health Online

Abstract

EARLY and colleagues, University of Missouri, Columbia, USA, investigated whether patients who develop colorectal polyps or cancer are selenium deficient .

Background

The trace mineral selenium is a natural antioxidant, taken in in the diet in the form of selenoproteins . Previous researchers have postulated that selenium may protect against cancer, but results of studies have been inconclusive or unconfirmed .

Methodology

The study involved 85 patients who had been referred to an endoscopy centre for colonoscopy or who had been referred to the researchers' institution with newly diagnosed colorectal cancer. Of these patients, 33 had colorectal cancer, 35 had adenomatous colon polyps and 17 had normal colon examination results. Patients' levels of selenoprotein-P, extracellular glutathione peroxidase and plasma selenium were measured.

Results

The mean ages for the colorectal cancer, adenomatous colon polyps and normal colon groups were 69, 62 and 56 years respectively. The adenomatous colon polyps and normal colon groups were predominantly female . No significant differences between the three patient groups were found with respect to selenoprotein-P levels, plasma selenium levels or extracellular glutathione peroxidase activity.

Conclusion

The findings suggest that patients with adenomatous colon polyps or colorectal cancer are not selenium deficient .

References

Early DS et al. Selenoprotein levels in patients with colorectal adenomas and cancer. The American Journal of Gastroenterology 97 (3): 745-8. Mar 2002.