Several studies suggest that higher selenium levels may lower the risk of bladder cancer.

A population case-control study published in the International Journal of Urology (2006;13(9):1180–1184) compared 178 patients with bladder cancer to 362 healthy controls. Individuals with the highest selenium levels had an odds ratio of 0.30, meaning they were about 70% less likely to develop bladder cancer than those with the lowest selenium levels.

Another study, published in Cancer Prevention Research (2009 Jan;2(1):70–73), analyzed toenail selenium levels in more than 1,800 subjects. Again, those with higher selenium had a lower risk of bladder cancer.

Selenium supports antioxidant defense and immune function, which may help the body protect itself from cellular damage linked to cancer development.

For more on selenium’s broader role in immune and cardiovascular health, see our article on Selenium and Disease Prevention

Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and not intended as medical advice.