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Abstract
There is increasing evidence for a link between nutrition, lifestyle and prostate cancer development. There is also growing interest from patients, with significant numbers of men using complementary and alternative medicines, such as vitamins and types of diet. Obesity and metabolic syndrome are important risk factors for prostate cancer and their management is key. The amount and type of fats consumed are also clearly related to prostate cancer risk. Saturated fats and trans fats are identified as having a negative impact. Nutraceuticals and supplements, particularly antioxidants, polyphenols and soy have evidence for benefit for prevention of prostate cancer and progression of the disease. A selection of nutrients is highlighted in this article. Nutritional therapists advise patients on how to incorporate these beneficial nutrients into their diet and guide them on supplement use. Further research is required to elucidate the connection between diet, nutrients and prostate cancer, including the field of nutrigenetics.
Financial & competing interests disclosure
The author has no relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript. This includes employment, consultancies, honoraria, stock ownership or options, expert testimony, grants or patents received or pending, or royalties.
No writing assistance was utilized in the production of this manuscript.
Key issues
Diet and lifestyle have a direct link with prostate cancer risk and progression in men.
Obesity and metabolic syndrome are important avoidable risk factors, and their management, including physical activity, is key.
The type and amounts of dietary fats consumed are linked to prostate cancer development.
A variety of foods and nutraceuticals has been identified that support the prevention of prostate cancer and progression of existing cancer.
There is evidence that soy foods are of benefit and should be included in the diet.
Lycopene, green tea, pomegranate and other antioxidant polyphenols have evidence for benefit alone and in synergy.
Supplementation of selenium and vitamin E is not of clear benefit in prostate cancer, hence dietary intakes may be optimized.
Herbal supplements such as Zyflamend show promising results in early studies.
Reduction of chronic inflammation via diet and nutraceuticals should be a focus for further study.
The field of ‘nutrigenetics’ will be an area to explore in the future.
Notes
This is in contrast to dieticians who use the science of nutrition to devise eating plans for patients to treat specific medical conditions, within evidence-based guidelines. They may also promote good health by helping to facilitate a positive change in food choices amongst individuals, groups and communities.