Selenium and nickel reduce the risk of pancreatic cancer
Last reviewed: 23.04.2024
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According to a study published in the journal Gut, the high level of trace elements of nickel and selenium in the body can reduce the risk of developing pancreatic cancer, while a high level of arsenic, lead and cadmium can lead to an increased risk of developing the disease.
The researchers studied 518 patients, 118 of them had exocrine pancreatic cancer - the most common form of the disease.
Given that toenails are a more reliable indicator of trace amounts of elements than dietary estimates, scientists have studied the nails of participants.
The results of the study showed that the level of certain trace elements was significantly higher or lower among cancer patients, compared with the control group.
The researchers found that the probability of developing pancreatic cancer was 2-3.5 times higher in patients with a high content of arsenic and cadmium, compared with patients with a low level of these elements. In patients with a high level of lead, pancreatic cancer was registered 6 times more often than in the control group.
In addition, patients with high levels of nickel and selenium are 95% less likely to have pancreatic cancer, compared to patients with a low level of these trace elements.
The results remained unchanged even after taking into account other known risk factors for cancer, such as smoking, diabetes and overweight.
A third of all cases of pancreatic cancer are thought to develop due to smoking. Tobacco contains cadmium and other metals. Cadmium is a known carcinogen and is associated with an increased risk of lung, kidney and prostate cancer. Previous studies have shown that selenium can withstand the harmful effects of arsenic, cadmium and lead.
The authors emphasize that the causes of pancreatic cancer are still largely unknown, despite decades of research.
The results of the study of scientists confirm that the increased risk of pancreatic cancer is associated with a higher level of cadmium, arsenic and lead, and also shows a feedback with a high level of selenium and nickel. These new findings point to the important role of microelements in the carcinogenesis of the pancreas.
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