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. 2015 Jul 2:3:e1080.
doi: 10.7717/peerj.1080. eCollection 2015.

A pilot study to investigate if New Zealand men with prostate cancer benefit from a Mediterranean-style diet

Sharon Erdrich  1 , Karen S Bishop  2 , Nishi Karunasinghe  2 , Dug Yeo Han  3 , Lynnette R Ferguson  4
Affiliations

A pilot study to investigate if New Zealand men with prostate cancer benefit from a Mediterranean-style diet

Sharon Erdrich et al. PeerJ. .

Abstract

Carcinoma of the prostate is the most commonly diagnosed malignancy and the third leading cause of mortality in New Zealand men, making it a significant health issue in this country. Global distribution patterns suggest that diet and lifestyle factors may be linked to the development and progression of this cancer. Twenty men with diagnosed prostate cancer adhered to a Mediterranean diet, with specific adaptations, for three months. Prostate-specific antigen, C-reactive protein and DNA damage were evaluated at baseline and after three months of following the diet. Dietary data were collated from diet diaries and an adaptation of a validated Mediterranean diet questionnaire. A significant reduction in DNA damage compared to baseline was apparent, with particular benefit noted for overall adherence to the diet (p = 0.013), increased intake of folate (p = 0.023), vitamin C (p = 0.007), legumes (p = 0.004) and green tea (p = 0.002). Higher intakes of red meat and dairy products were inversely associated with DNA damage (p = 0.003 and p = 0.008 respectively). The results from this small feasibility study suggest that a high-antioxidant diet, modelled on Mediterranean traditions, may be of benefit for men with prostate cancer. Protection against DNA damage appears to be associated with the diet implemented, ostensibly due to reduction in reactive oxidant species. These findings warrant further exploration in a longer trial, with a larger cohort.

Keywords: Antioxidants; DNA damage; Mediterranean style diet; Nutrition; Prostate cancer.

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Conflict of interest statement

Lynnette R. Ferguson is an Academic Editor for PeerJ.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1. Factors involved in the pathogenesis of tumour development (Pantuck et al., 2006; Waris & Ahsan, 2006).
Figure 2
Figure 2. Change in sources of energy expressed as % of total energy intake at baseline and three months.
SatFat = saturated fat; ∗p < 0.001.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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Grants and funding

Funding was received from the Auckland Cancer Research Society. The funders had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript.

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