More intervention studies are needed, but in their absence, caution in interpreting epidemiological findings is warranted. New approaches for the primary and secondary prevention of prostate cancer are needed, including innovative uses of chemoprevention. This review provides an overview of the epidemiological data suggesting that higher intakes of selenium may reduce the risk of prostate cancer. In addition, a discussion of preclinical data is presented. Chemoprevention, especially with dietary forms of selenium, is a promising new approach that presently is undergoing intensive investigation.
Consumers increasingly use vitamin supplements.
Also, since June 1996, foodstuffs enriched with vitamins are available on the Dutch market. Consequently, these should only be added to reconstituted foodstuffs or in a substitution product, not in enriched foodstuffs. Antioxidant supplementation is thought to improve immunity and thereby reduce infectious morbidity. However, few large trials in elderly people have been conducted that include end points for clinical variables. Correction of specific nutrient deficiencies was observed after 6 months of supplementation and was maintained for the first year, during which there was no effect of any treatment on delayed-type hypersensitivity skin response.