The risk of developing bladder cancer decreases with increasing the intake of selenium, states a new study.

Most of these selenoproteins are enzymes with antioxidant properties that prevent cellular damage caused by the by-products of oxygen metabolism, according to lead researcher Nuria Malats, leader of the Genetic and Molecular Epidemiology Group, Human Cancer Genetics Program, Spanish National Cancer Research Center.
The main dietary sources of this micronutrient are plant foods grown in selenium-rich soils, animals who graze on these soils and selenium-enriched products.
"The lower the levels of selenium, the higher the risk of developing bladder cancer," Malats said.
Using data from seven previously published studies, Malats and colleagues conducted a meta-analysis to evaluate selenium levels measured in serum and toenails and the risk of developing bladder cancer.
The data included individuals mostly from the United States, but also from Belgium, Finland and the Netherlands.
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"Although our results suggest a beneficial effect of high selenium intake for bladder cancer risk, more studies are needed to confirm these findings before an enforcement of high selenium intake is recommended," Malats said.
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Source-ANI