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Ask the Doctor: Mineral Deposit
At least six major studies are underway to test selenium
supplements' ability to prevent prostate cancer and/or slow the growth of
existing tumors. Researchers are looking to confirm a 1994 Arizona study in
which men who took 200 micrograms of the mineral daily for ten years cut their
prostate cancer risk by 63%. While selenium is found in meat, grains, and dairy
products, it is difficult to tell how much is in a person's diet because the
selenium content of a specific food item varies in accordance with where the
item was grown. Since a man's diet may be lacking in selenium, a daily
supplement of 200 micrograms is a reasonable choice for men concerned about
their prostate cancer. Selenium supplementation should be limited to 200
micrograms daily because, at very high doses, the mineral is toxic.
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