High Levels of Vitamin E Cut Prostate Cancer Risk
(NY, Reuters Health, 3/2/05)

Dr. Demetrius Albanes of the National Cancer Institute in Bethesda, Maryland, and team, used data gathered during the Alpha-Tocopherol, Beta-Carotene Cancer Prevention (ATBC) Study of nearly 30,000 Finnish men to compare 100 men with prostate cancer with 200 cancer-free "controls." The investigators found that subjects with the lowest alpha tocopherol blood levels at the outset were 51% more likely to develop prostate cancer compared to those with the highest levels. Furthermore, subjects with the lowest gamma-tocopherol levels were 43 % likelier to contract the disease than those with the highest levels. The scientists noted that the reduction in cancer risk was greatest among subjects who took alpha-tocopherol supplements. Scientists believe that the reduction in prostate cancer risk may be due to vitamin E’s antioxidant properties, as well as its enhancement of the immune system.

(Journal of the National Cancer Institute, March 2, 2005)