Selenium supplement prevents Prostate Cancer. True or Not?

Probably not. Selenium, a mineral found naturally in Brazil nuts, red meat, fish, and grains, became popular as a supplement in the late ‘90s because researchers believed it could help prevent prostate cancer. But a recent study of more than 35,000 men published in the Journal of the American Medical Association showed that 200 micrograms of selenium a day did nothing to defend against disease (or any other cancer for that matter) Worse, taking selenium slightly increased the risk of diabetes in some men. The message, says study author Howard Parnes, MD, is that there’s no need to pop a selenium supplement unless your doctor tells you to.