vitamin e + selenium

The combination of vitamin E and selenium has been studied extensively, particularly for its potential effects on prostate cancer prevention and other health conditions. This combination has been investigated in clinical trials such as the Selenium and Vitamin E Cancer Prevention Trial (SELECT), which was a large-scale study funded by the National Cancer Institute to determine if these supplements could help prevent prostate cancer[1][5]. ## Mechanism of Action Vitamin E and selenium function primarily as antioxidants in the body. When combined, they appear to have synergistic effects that may enhance their individual antioxidant properties[3]. The combination has been studied for its potential to: 1. Induce apoptosis (programmed cell death) in prostate cancer cells by enhancing the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio[1] 2. Inhibit atherosclerosis through mechanisms independent of effects on plasma cholesterol concentrations[3] 3. Provide antioxidant protection against oxidative stress ## Clinical Evidence The SELECT trial, which enrolled over 35,000 men aged 50 and older, initially found that selenium and vitamin E, taken alone or together, did not prevent prostate cancer[5]. However, longer follow-up revealed that men taking vitamin E alone had a 17% relative increase in prostate cancer risk compared to those taking placebo[5][7]. Men taking selenium alone or the combination of vitamin E and selenium also showed slight increases in prostate cancer risk, though these were not statistically significant[7]. In contrast, some preclinical studies have shown that the combination may be beneficial in certain contexts: - In hypercholesterolemic rabbits, vitamin E combined with selenium inhibited atherosclerosis more effectively than vitamin E alone[3] - In cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, selenium supplementation (alone or with vitamin E) increased serum selenium levels and may have provided some protection against side effects[2] ## Formulations and Dosing In clinical studies, various formulations and doses have been used: - In SELECT: 400 IU/day of all rac-α-tocopheryl acetate (vitamin E) and 200 μg/day of L-selenomethionine (selenium)[7] - In animal studies: Combinations of vitamin E (1375 IU) and selenium (214 μg) have been used[3] - Commercial supplements for animals typically contain vitamin E, selenium, yeast, and zinc[6] ## Potential Interactions The combination may interact with several medications: - Anticoagulants and antiplatelet drugs (blood thinners), potentially increasing bleeding risk[8][9] - Cholesterol-lowering medications, potentially reducing their effectiveness[9] - Niacin, potentially decreasing the effects on good cholesterol levels[8] - Sedative medications (barbiturates), potentially increasing their effects[8][9] - Immunosuppressants, potentially decreasing their effects[8] ## Safety Considerations While both vitamin E and selenium are essential nutrients, supplementation should be approached with caution, particularly given the findings from the SELECT trial regarding prostate cancer risk[5][7]. The combination may also affect blood clotting and interact with various medications[8][9].

Brand names

Equ-SeEMU-SEBO-SEE-SEAmoguardExergeLycobigAniMed Vitamin E & Selenium