Zinc and Prostate Cancer Risk

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David Z - 31 Jan 2004 02:13 GMT

A recent study (published in a very prestigious medical/cancer journal)
that includes data from about 50,000 men indicates that men who take
more than 100 mg/day of Zinc have 2 to 3 times the risk of
having/getting prostate cancer as men who do not take any zinc
supplementation. Men who take up to 100 mg/day had no additional risk
of prostate cancer. Also, this study found that men who take zinc
supplementation for more than 10 years have 2 to 3 times the risk of
having/getting prostate cancer as men who do not take any zinc
supplementation. However, I couldn't find any information about how
much zinc was taken by the men who took zinc for over 10 years. Does
anyone have any information in this regard?

This study is interesting because previous studies have indicated that
low levels of zinc may cause prostate cancer. Commentators have said
that these 2 studies are not necessarily contradictory and that more
study is needed. Prior to this study the common wisdom has been that
zinc supports and protects it from cancer, inflammation, BPH, etc.

Perhaps there is an optimal dosage range for zinc that protects the
prostate and too much or too little is harmful?

Comments?

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John - 03 Feb 2004 02:40 GMT

What usefulness could this study provide. This is the most bizarre piece I
have ever read on this subject. I have been taking 100mgs of Zinc everyday
and Selenium for the past 2 years. My Uro said it's A good idea.

I once read that autopsy's were once done on men who were known to be taking
Zinc for prostate problems. The study showed that the prostate did not
contain anymore Zinc than was found in A group of men that were known NOT to
be taking Zinc supplements. The study found that the prostate sort of
regulated it's own Zinc.

GoFigure

> A recent study (published in a very prestigious medical/cancer journal)
> that includes data from about 50,000 men indicates that men who take
[quoted text clipped - 18 lines]
>
> Comments?

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David Z - 03 Feb 2004 02:50 GMT

> What usefulness could this study provide.

Well, if it's correct, i think it's quite useful, especially if you're
taking a lot of Zinc on a regular basis. (I take about 30 mg daily.)

> This is the most bizarre piece I
> have ever read on this subject.

Are you talking about my short summary or have you read about the new
study?

> I have been taking 100mgs of Zinc everyday
> and Selenium for the past 2 years. My
> Uro said it's A good idea.

The study is very new. It probably wasn't available when your Uro
advised you. Ask him if he's read about it.

> I once read that autopsy's were once
> done on men who were known to be taking
[quoted text clipped - 7 lines]
>
> GoFigure

That's interesting. But I don't know what it tells us about if we
should take Zinc and how much.

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John - 03 Feb 2004 11:25 GMT

You're damed if you and damed if you don't.

GoFigure.

> > What usefulness could this study provide.
>
[quoted text clipped - 28 lines]
> That's interesting. But I don't know what it tells us about if we
> should take Zinc and how much.

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jrh - 03 Feb 2004 06:16 GMT

>A recent study (published in a very prestigious medical/cancer journal)
>that includes data from about 50,000 men indicates that men who take
[quoted text clipped - 18 lines]
>
>Comments?

Perhaps individuals with prostrate problems take more zink because it
is recomended and they are also more likely to get prostrate cancer.

One would have to study the study to determine if this was the cause
of the statistical relationship.

jrh

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