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We recommend the article “Association between trace element and heavy metal levels in hair and nail with prostate cancer.” Karimi G1, Shahar S, Homayouni N, Rajikan R, Abu Bakar NF, Othman MS.

Although the relationship between trace elements and heavy metals with prostate cancer are still debatable, some risk factors can be identified.

The study was designed to detect all links between the selected minerals and heavy metals, including Se, Zn, Cu, Mn and Fe with the cancer. The study was performed on 100 patients (50 ill and 50 healthy) on ICP-MS.

The average levels of selenium in the hair and nails were significantly lower than in the control group. A similar trend has been observed in the case of zinc in both hair and nails samples. On the other hand, the average level of copper was significantly higher in prostate cancer cases than in the control group. Similar results have been reported for iron and manganese (p <0.05 for all parameters).

Low levels of selenium and zinc and high levels of copper, iron and manganese appear to be associated with the prostate cancer. However, further research is needed to clarify the mechanisms of tumor formation and to apply appropriate preventive methods.

Source: “Association between trace element and heavy metal levels in hair and nail with prostate cancer.” Karimi G1, Shahar S, Homayouni N, Rajikan R, Abu Bakar NF, Othman MS.