A new study published in the September issue of American Journal of Epidemiology found a protective effect of high citrus diets in men.
The study looked at dietary intake of more than 42,000 men in the US over a 16 year period. Dietary intake was assessed a total of 4 times over the study period. Intake of fruits and vegetables was assessed to determine any effect on the occurance of pre-malignant oral lesions such as leukoplakia.
Pre-malignant lesions in the mouth are not uncommon and between 16-40 percent may become malignant. Most malignant lesions (squamous cell carcinoma) are easily treated with surgery, but some can metastasize to other parts of the body and become deadly.
During the follow-up period a total of 207 cases of pre-malignant oral lesions were found. There was a negative coorelation between consumption of citrus fruits and juice and oral pre-malignant lesions. There was no coorelation between vegetables and antioxidants such as beta-carotene and lycopene.
In men who consumed the highest amounts of citrus fruits and juices risk of oral pre-malignant lesions was 30-40 percent lower than men who consumed the lowest amounts.
The authors conclude that a diet high in fruits, especially those citrus in origin, can protect against the development of pre-cancer and cancer.
Posted by Dr. Christina Gutierrez on October 6, 2006 04:54 PM
