Zinc Deficiency and Prostate Cancer

by Greg Newson 0 Comments

In a population study involving 525 men under 80 years of age diagnosed with prostate cancer of which 42% died of prostate cancer and another 49% died of other causes. The study found that the higher the dietary intake of zinc the greater association there was with a reduced risk of prostate cancer-specific mortality by 64%. No association was found between zinc intake and mortality from other causes. The authors conclude that, ”…..high intake of zinc is associated with lower prostate cancer-specific mortality after diagnosis, particularly in men with localised disease.”

Greg’s Comments: Zinc is essential for male reproductive health and concentrates in the prostate. It is also regarded as the commander and chief of the immune system and plays a major role in destroying or inhibiting the production of cancer cells.

Reference: “Dietary zinc and prostate cancer survival in a Swedish cohort,” Epstein MM, Kasperzyk JL, et al, Am J Clin Nutr, 2011 March; 93(3): 586-93. (Address: Departments of Epidemiology, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA. E-mail: mameyer@hsph.harvard.edu).

Greg Newson

Author

Greg Newson is a qualified Naturopath, Herbalist, Nutritionist and Health Enthusiast who is passionate about wellness and dedicated in educating people of the enormous potential of natural medicine.