Key nutrient in common foods ‘fuels spread of cancer – limiting it could stop killer in its tracks’

A POPULAR ingredient found in multivitamin supplements and everyday foods could be fuelling the spread the cancer, experts have warned. Limiting the consumption of the essential mineral could be key in controlling breast cancer, according to a new study. 4 Selenium, a popular multivitamin supplement, has been found to fuel the spread of cancer Credit: Getty 4 Restricting selenium's antioxidant effects could prevent the spread of triple negative breast cancer Credit: Getty Selenium is vital for the body to stay healthy - it offers antioxidant protection, helps maintain thyroid function, supports the immune system, helps prevent cognitive decline, and helps with hair growth.

But new research funded by Cancer Research UK says restricting its antioxidant effects could prevent the spread of triple negative breast cancer. Triple negative breast cancer can be hard to treat, but is often manageable through therapy and surgery. If it spreads to other parts of the body it can become inoperable.

Read more on cancer ASK DR ZOE How itching 'down there' could be sign of rare cancer & other signs to watch for HEALTH CHECK Cancer diagnoses hit an all-time high - as the NHS reveals most common types Selenium was assumed to be useful in fighting against cancer cells. The nutrient is found in Brazil nuts, meat, mushrooms and cereals. But the new research suggests cancer cells are in great need of selenium, especially when they're sparse, away from densely packed cell clusters.

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