Condition
    Strong Evidence
    Effectiveness 1/5

    Vitamin E for Prostate Cancer

    Vitamin E increased prostate cancer incidence by 17% in the SELECT trial. It should not be used for prevention.

    Overview

    Vitamin E increased prostate cancer incidence by 17% in the SELECT trial. It should not be used for prevention.

    Verdict

    Not supported

    Not neutral — actively harmful in the largest trial conducted.

    How It Works

    Alpha-tocopherol was expected to reduce oxidative DNA damage in prostatic epithelium; at supplemental doses it may instead displace gamma-tocopherol and disturb redox signalling.

    Dosing & Protocol

    Typical dose

    Recommended dose
    Not recommended at any dose
    Expected timeframe
    Not applicable.

    Protocol

    form
    n/a
    notes
    Avoid supplemental vitamin E for prostate prevention
    duration
    n/a
    starting dose
    Not recommended

    Evidence

    What the studies say

    SELECT randomised over 35,000 men to selenium, vitamin E, both, or placebo. The vitamin E arm showed a statistically significant 17% increase in prostate cancer incidence at extended follow-up, and the trial was stopped early for futility and harm. This overturned earlier observational and secondary-endpoint data from the ATBC trial that had suggested benefit. Meta-analyses of high-dose vitamin E across indications have also found a small increase in all-cause mortality. There is no remaining case for vitamin E supplementation in prostate health.

    Effect of Selenium and Vitamin E on Risk of Prostate Cancer and Other Cancers: The Selenium and Vitamin E Cancer Prevention Trial (SELECT)

    Score: 10/10
    2009
    rct
    n=35533

    Lippman SM, Klein EA, Goodman PJ +30 more

    Selenium 200 mcg/day did not prevent prostate cancer, and a non-significant increase in type 2 diabetes risk was observed in the selenium arm.

    View source

    Vitamin E and the risk of prostate cancer: the Selenium and Vitamin E Cancer Prevention Trial (SELECT)

    Score: 9/10
    2011
    rct
    n=35533

    Klein EA, et al

    Dietary supplementation with vitamin E significantly increased the risk of prostate cancer among healthy men.

    View source

    Selenium and Vitamin E Cancer Prevention Trial (SELECT): null and adverse findings

    Score: 10/10
    2011
    rct
    n=35533

    Klein EA, Thompson IM, Tangen CM +18 more

    Vitamin E supplementation significantly increased prostate cancer risk by 17%

    View source

    Vitamin E and the Risk of Prostate Cancer: The Selenium and Vitamin E Cancer Prevention Trial (SELECT) updated follow-up

    Score: 10/10
    2011
    rct
    n=35533

    Klein EA, Thompson IM, Tangen CM +18 more

    Vitamin E supplementation significantly increased the risk of prostate cancer among healthy men.

    View source

    Safety

    Caveats

    High-dose vitamin E increases bleeding risk with anticoagulants and has been associated with increased all-cause mortality in meta-analysis.

    Less likely to help if

    All men — the trial found harm rather than benefit.

    Medical Disclaimer

    The information provided on this website is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or before starting any supplement regimen.

    Individual results may vary. The statements on this website have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Products and information are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.