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Diet, micronutrients, and the prostate gland
1Department of Pharmacology, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, USA.
Nutrition Reviews
|May 6, 1999
Summary
Prostate cancer and benign prostatic hyperplasia are common in aging men. While genetics play a role, diet, particularly high fat intake, is linked to increased prostate cancer risk, though micronutrient benefits require more study.
Area of Science:
- Urology
- Oncology
- Nutritional Science
Background:
- Prostate diseases, including adenocarcinoma and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), are age-related conditions.
- Prostate cancer is the most prevalent cancer among men in the United States.
- Ethnic variations in prostate cancer incidence are not solely attributable to genetic factors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the association between nutrition and prostate cancer risk.
- To investigate the impact of dietary fat and specific micronutrients on prostate health.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing research on dietary factors and prostate cancer.
- Analysis of epidemiological data concerning nutrition and prostate disease incidence.
Main Results:
- A strong correlation exists between high total fat intake and an elevated risk of prostate cancer.
- Evidence suggests potential roles for micronutrients like zinc, selenium, vitamin E, lycopene, phytoestrogens, and phytosterols, but their protective effects are less conclusive.
Conclusions:
- Dietary fat intake is a significant factor associated with prostate cancer risk.
- Further research is essential to definitively establish the role of specific nutrients in preventing prostate cancer and BPH.