Indication: Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)

Source: Am J Epidemiol, February 7, 2008;[Epub ahead of print]

Research: This study examined dietary risk factors for incident benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in 4770 subjects who participated in the placebo-arm of the Prostate Cancer Prevention Trial (1994-2003) who were free of BPH at baseline. BPH was defined as medical or surgical treatment or repeated elevation (>14) on the International Prostate Symptom Score questionnaire. Diet, alcohol and supplement use were assessed by use of a food frequency questionnaire.

Results: Over a period of 7 years, there were 876 incident BPH cases. Men who had consumed two or more alcoholic beverages daily were 33% less likely to develop BPH, while those consuming at least four servings of vegetables daily lowered their risk by 32%. The researchers found no associations between supplements and BPH risk-there was only weak evidence for associations of lycopene, zinc and supplemental vitamin D with reduced risk. Researchers concluded that a diet low in fat and red meat and high in protein and vegetables, as well as regular alcohol consumption, may reduce the risk of symptomatic BPH.