Prostate cancer is a leading cause of cancer-related deaths among men worldwide. According to the American Cancer Society, one in nine men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime.

The good news is that there are steps you can take to prevent or reduce your risk of developing prostate cancer. One such step is to take vitamin supplements that help prevent prostate cancer. In this article, we will discuss the vitamins that may help prevent prostate cancer and how they work.

Vitamin D

Vitamin D is essential for the body’s absorption of calcium, which is needed for strong bones and teeth. However, vitamin D also plays a crucial role in preventing prostate cancer.

According to a study in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, men with higher levels of vitamin D had a 45% lower risk of developing aggressive prostate cancer compared to men with lower levels of vitamin D.

The best source of vitamin D is sunlight, but it can also be obtained through food and supplements. Foods that are high in vitamin D include fatty fish (such as salmon and tuna), egg yolks, and fortified foods such as milk and cereals.

Vitamin D supplements are also widely available and can be taken daily.

Vitamin E

Vitamin E is an antioxidant that helps to protect cells from damage caused by free radicals. Free radicals can damage cells and contribute to the development of cancer. Studies have shown that vitamin E can help prevent prostate cancer.

In a large clinical trial, men who took vitamin E supplements had a 17% lower risk of developing prostate cancer compared to men who did not take the supplements.

Foods that are high in vitamin E include nuts (such as almonds and peanuts), seeds (such as sunflower seeds), and vegetable oils (such as sunflower and safflower oil). Vitamin E supplements are also widely available and can be taken daily.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is also an antioxidant that helps to protect cells from damage caused by free radicals. Like vitamin E, studies have shown that vitamin C can help prevent prostate cancer.

In a study in the Journal of Urology, men who had higher levels of vitamin C had a 30% lower risk of developing prostate cancer compared to men with lower levels of vitamin C.

Foods that are high in vitamin C include citrus fruits (such as oranges and grapefruits), kiwi fruit, strawberries, and tomatoes. Vitamin C supplements are also available and can be taken daily.

Vitamin B6

Vitamin B6 helps to regulate the levels of the hormone, testosterone, which can contribute to the development of prostate cancer. Studies have shown that men with higher levels of vitamin B6 have a lower risk of developing prostate cancer.

In a study in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute, men who had higher levels of vitamin B6 had a 33% lower risk of developing prostate cancer compared to men with lower levels of vitamin B6.

Foods that are high in vitamin B6 include chickpeas, potatoes, bananas, and chicken. Vitamin B6 supplements are also widely available and can be taken daily.

Zinc

Zinc is a mineral that is important for the body’s immune system, wound healing, and normal growth and development. Studies have shown that zinc can help prevent prostate cancer.

In a study in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute, men who had higher levels of zinc had a 76% lower risk of developing advanced prostate cancer compared to men with lower levels of zinc.

Foods that are high in zinc include oysters, beef, pork, and chicken. Zinc supplements are also widely available and can be taken daily.

Selenium

Selenium is a mineral that is important for the body’s immune system and thyroid function. Studies have shown that selenium can help prevent prostate cancer.

In a large clinical trial, men who took selenium supplements had a 63% lower risk of developing prostate cancer compared to men who did not take the supplements.

Foods that are high in selenium include brazil nuts, tuna, and beef. Selenium supplements are also available and can be taken daily.

Folate

Folate is a B-vitamin that is important for the body’s DNA synthesis and repair. Studies have shown that folate can help prevent prostate cancer.

In a study in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute, men who had higher levels of folate had a 30% lower risk of developing prostate cancer compared to men with lower levels of folate.

Foods that are high in folate include spinach, broccoli, lentils, and avocado. Folate supplements are also available and can be taken daily.

Multivitamins

In addition to individual vitamins, taking a daily multivitamin can help prevent prostate cancer.

In a study in the Journal of the American Medical Association, men who took a daily multivitamin had a 8% lower risk of developing cancer compared to men who did not take a daily multivitamin.

Multivitamins contain a combination of vitamins and minerals, including some of the vitamins and minerals listed above. It is important to choose a multivitamin that contains the appropriate amount of each vitamin and mineral.

Conclusion

Preventing prostate cancer is important for men of all ages. While there are no guarantees, taking vitamin supplements can help reduce the risk of developing prostate cancer.

The vitamins listed above are all important for overall health and should be part of a healthy diet.