A recent study reveals that selenium, vitamin E and vitamin C won't prevent men from getting prostate cancer. The results of two, large randomized, controlled clinical trials showed the supplements failed to provide a cancer-prevention benefit, even if previous findings indicated these might help. Both studies were expected to be published in the January 7 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association, but they were released early due to public health implications.

The study is also known as the SELECT trial and it included more than 35,000 men. Black men included in the study were all over 50, and men from other races were all over 55, and that's because it seems blacks have a higher risk of developing prostate cancer. The men were randomly assigned to one of four groups: selenium, vitamin E, selenium and vitamin E and a placebo. The average follow-up time was more than five years. Unfortunately, researchers found no significant difference between the groups, and the trial was ended early, because it was not effective. The second study was done by Harvard researchers and it included almost 15,000 male physicians over 50 who were randomly assigned to receive vitamin E, vitamin C or a placebo. The average time was eight years in this case, but once again no significant difference was found.

The two studies are the latest in a list of recent researches that discount the use of vitamins and supplements for chemoprevention. Previously, it has been shown that vitamins B, C, D, E, folic acid and calcium do not prevent cancer. However, other experts say it's a mistake to consider none of nutrients work, and more studies should be conducted.