The content level of these two minerals in the prostate is much higher than in other parts of the male anatomy suggesting the increased need for these minerals. Complete Prostate Nutrition contains the appropriate amount of selenium as well as zinc which have long been known to be essential nutrients of good prostate health.

Zinc

Zinc is as important for men as iron is for women and is probably the single most important nutrient for a healthy prostate. The normal prostate gland contains higher concentrations of Zinc than any other organ. Zinc deficiency has been shown to cause enlargement of the prostate. In addition, men cannot sustain an erection without adequate levels of zinc in their system.

One study showed a significant improvement in the percentage and the total sperm mobility in 33 sub fertile men . by oral zinc treatment (Adnrologia 20:21-22, 1988). Seminal zinc levels also increased by zinc treatment!  Zinc deficiency observed in patients such as those with uremia showing sexual dysfunction improved following oral zinc supplementation.

Zinc helps tissues grow and repair themselves. In addition to helping heal wounds faster, zinc is probably the most important mineral for keeping the immune system strong. Too little zinc can lead to a drop in infection-fighting white blood cells, which can increase your risk of getting sick.

It is important to take zinc in a highly absorbable form such as a "zinc chelate."  A Chelate for Zinc combines the mineral with an amino acid and becomes more recognizable by the body, significantly increasing its absorption.

Zinc is an essential element in nutrition and essential to good health because it acts as a catalyst for a number of vital bio-chemical reactions. Because it's utilized daily, it must be replenished.

Zinc is required in the make-up of every cell and is an absolute requirement for all biologic reproduction. Zinc is needed in all DNA and RNA syntheses and is required at every step of the cell cycle. Zinc deficiency symptoms are non-specific, perhaps in part because of the role of DNA and RNA in so many enzymes and in both protein synthesis and molecular genetics.

Many enzymes may become non-functional in the absence of zinc and zinc deficiency is a cause of 33 percent of all olfactory disorders. Inadequate intake of zinc in people and animals results in serious immunodeficiency, increased numbers of infections, increased severity of infections, stunted growth, and delayed sexual maturation.

Selenium

G. Merrill Andrus PhD., 2003
Selenium is an essential trace mineral in the human body. This nutrient is an important part of antioxidant enzymes that protect cells against the effects of free radicals that are produced during normal oxygen metabolism. The body has developed defenses such as antioxidants to control levels of free radicals because they can damage cells and contribute to the development of some chronic diseases. Selenium is also essential for normal functioning of the immune system and thyroid gland.

Selenium deficiency affects thyroid function because selenium is essential for the synthesis of active thyroid hormone. Researchers also believe selenium deficiency may worsen the effects of iodine deficiency on thyroid function, and that adequate selenium nutritional status may help protect against some of the neurological effects of iodine deficiency.

Some studies indicate that mortality (death) from cancer, including lung, colorectal, and prostate cancers, is lower among people with higher selenium blood levels or intake. Also, the incidence of non-melanoma skin cancer is significantly higher in areas of the United States with low soil selenium levels.

The effect of selenium supplementation on the recurrence of these types of skin cancers was studied in seven dermatology clinics in the US from 1983 through the early 1990s. Supplementation with 200 mcg selenium daily did not affect recurrence of skin cancer, but significantly reduced total mortality and mortality from cancers. In addition, incidence of prostate cancer, colorectal cancer, and lung cancer was lower in the group given selenium supplements.

Selenium is naturally found in foods high in protein, such as fish, meat, poultry, cereals and other grains. It can also be found in vegetables like mushrooms and asparagus. Brazil nuts, especially with their shells on, are very high in selenium. Some experts believe that vegetarians who do not eat fish may not be getting enough selenium.

A real breakthrough in nutritional research with enormous implications for maintaining a healthy prostate gland occurred in 1998 with an "accidental" discovery. Although the study was looking at selenium's potential to protect skin from sun damage, the researchers were stunned to find something else entirely. They discovered the value of selenium in maintaining a healthy colon, rectum, prostate, and lungs. Compared with controls, who did not receive selenium supplements, "prostate [health improved] over the 4.5-year study," concluded its authors (Clark 1998). New double-blind, randomized trials with selenium are underway at a research facility in Arizona to build on the promising volume of data concerning selenium's role as a potent guardian for prostate gland health (Marshall 2001).

Using elderly dogs as models, a group at Purdue University, Dr. Messing, et al., 2002, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 99 (May 28), 7408-7413) have shown that small amounts of selenium will reduce damage to prostate cells.