DEAR DR. GOTT: The news is full of negative comments on vitamins these days, particularly vitamin E and its involvement with prostate cancer. My husband has had prostate-related issues for the past couple of years that his urologist has been keeping an eye on, so to speak. And, he takes vitamin E.
We don’t have an appointment for about three weeks and would like your views on the subject. Maybe you can shed some light on what appears to be a rather complex issue.
DEAR READER: Vitamin E is a fat-soluble antioxidant found in margarine, dressings and corn, sunflower, soybean, safflower, and wheat germ oils.
A study performed at the Cleveland Clinic determined that vitamin E supplements may slightly increase the risk of developing prostate cancer. The patients involved had taken one 400-unit capsule of vitamin E every day for seven years. At the end of that period, they were 17% more likely to develop prostate cancer than those given a placebo.
Dr. Otis Brawley, chief medical officer for the American Cancer Society, recommends that men speak with their physician regarding the risks and benefits of this vitamin supplement that has long been promoted for disease prevention.
My take on this is that the more we know, the more confused we likely become. We are privy to store shelves literally loaded with multi-vitamins, specific vitamins, herbs and other supplements purported to control our every ailment and make us healthy, not to develop negative results over time. Perhaps the answer, then, is to eat a healthful diet that includes appropriate amounts of fresh fruits, vegetables, fish and lean meats, exercise regularly, and maintain good sleep habits. If this is impossible for due to allergy or another reason, be sure to speak with your physician who has your complete medical record and will be your best resource for what supplement is appropriate for you or may choose to refer you to a dietician who can advise you how to get all the appropriate nutrients despite complications. .
Prostate cancer is the third most common cause of death from cancer in men of all ages. It is rarely found in men younger than 40 years of age. Once diagnosed, a man may experience a diminished urinary stream, blood or semen in the urine, bone pain and/or tenderness in the lower back or pelvic area.
Diagnosis is made through biopsy of prostate tissue. The biopsy will likely follow testing that reveals a PSA (prostate specific antigen) that is higher than normal, or because of a digital rectal exam that reveals an enlarged prostate or a hard, irregular surface of the gland.
Readers who are interested in related information can order my Health Reports “Vitamins & Minerals” and “The prostate Gland” by sending a self-addressed number 10 envelope and $2 US for each report to my attention at PO Box 433, Lakeville, CT 06039-0433. Be sure to mention the title(s) when writing or print out an order form from my website www.AskDrGottMD.com.
