Several Vitamin Es Effective Against Prostate Cancer

~ October 2006 No.209 ~

Everyone likes things simple. But very often it just isn’t that way, especially in nature. We all know we need vitamins in our diets. For our convenience, scientists have given vitamins easy names to remember: vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin D, vitamin E. But it’s a bit more complicated

For example, there are several closely related chemical compounds that belong to the vitamin E family. Vitamin E has many specific uses in the body and, because the members of the vitamin E family have similar chemical structures, each one can be used in the body - but not with the same potency or bio-activity. Also, because of their different structures, the different vitamin Es are absorbed at different rates. α-tocopherol in the form of vitamin E is most common in supplements, while γ-tocopherol is the form most common in the diet.

Current research indicates that, in spite of the differences in chemical structure, different members of the vitamin E family may be effective in preventing prostate cancer. In a large Finnish study it was reported that men with high blood levels of both α-tocopherol and γ-tocopherol had a reduced risk of getting prostate cancer. The men in the study had received 50 mg α-tocopherol per day and 20 mg β-carotene per day for 5-8 years and were compared to men receiving no supplements. Achieving high blood levels of α-tocopherol and γ-tocopherol through a proper diet and the use of a vitamin E supplement may be wise for men concerned about preventing this common cancer.

Good Sources of alpha-tocopherol

almonds

sunflower oil

hazel nuts

avocado

Good Sources of gamma-tocopherol

soyabean oil

corn oil

canola oil

peanuts

1. Reference
2. Weinstein, SJ., Wright, ME., and others, Serum alpha-tocopherol and gamma-tocopherol in relation to prostate cancer risk in a prospective study. J. National Cancer Institute 97:396-9, 2005²

Other articles on vitamin E §

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To the best of our knowledge, the information contained in Medicinal Food News is true and factual. No changes to your diet should be made without first consulting a dietician or family physician.