Correlative Analysis of Vitamin D and Omega-3 Fatty Acid Intake in Men on Active Surveillance for Prostate Cancer

To investigate the influence of targeted serum vitamin-D level and omega-6:3 fatty-acid ratio on prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level in men with prostate cancer managed with active surveillance by providing a nutritional intervention and vitamin supplementation.

Sixty-eight patients with biopsy-proven National Comprehensive Cancer Network very-low or low-risk prostate cancer were enrolled in the prostate cancer nutrition and genetics clinic at the Cleveland Clinic from July 2013-December 2019. Patients adhered to a specific dietary regimen devoid of animal-based products and foods containing omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs). The supplement regimen consisted of: Omega-3 PUFAs 720mg (3/day); curcumin 2000 mg/day; vitamin D3 dose titrated to achieve serum level of 60 ng/ml; and vitamin B-complex 1000 mg (4 times weekly). Patients underwent periodic monitoring of PSA, serum vitamin D, and PUFA levels and had frequent follow-up with the nutritionist which included a food frequency questionnaire. Interval prostate biopsy was performed as clinically indicated and/or at 9 months.

The mean and 95% confidence interval of PSA slope and Vitamin D serum levels slope were 0.11 (0-0.25) ng/mL/month and 4.65 (3.09-5.98) ng/mL/month, respectively. Patients with higher initial vitamin D levels were twice as likely to have a downward PSA trend (OR = 2.04, 95% confidence interval 1.04-4.01, P = .04). Fifty-five patients underwent follow-up biopsy, all showing no progression of disease. Three patients had loose bowel movements that required omega-3 and or curcumin dose adjustments.

Intensive nutritional intervention with Vitamin D and Omega-3 PUFA supplementation may benefit men on active surveillance for prostate cancer and further studies are warranted.