Vegetables, beta-carotene, vitamin C associated with reduced risk of BPH

The February, 2006 issue of the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition published the finding of researchers from Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Pubic Health and Harvard University of a protective effect for vegetables, beta-carotene, lutein and vitamin C against benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Benign prostatic hyperplasia is a common condition in older men which is associated with lower urinary tract symptoms that are believed to be caused by enlargement of the gland and increased prostate smooth muscle tone.

The study evaluated data from participants in the Health Professionals Follow Up Study of 51,529 dentists, veterinarians, pharmacists, optometrists, osteopathic physicians and podiatrists who were enrolled in 1986. Dietary questionnaires completed upon enrollment were analyzed for fruit and vegetable intake and nutritional content. Health questionnaires were mailed to participants every two years to obtain information on new diagnoses including whether they had undergone surgery for an enlarged prostate or had a high-moderate to severe American Urological Association symptom index score for BPH.

Of the 32,265 men who were eligible for the current study, there were 6,092 cases of BPH. After excluding men with low to moderate symptoms, 18,373 remained as non-cases. Although total consumption of fruit and vegetables had no significant association with BPH, the risk of the condition decreased with increased vegetable intake. Men whose intake of vegetables was in the top fifth of participants had an 11 percent lower risk of BPH than men whose intake was in the lowest fifth. Fruits and vegetables rich in beta-carotene, lutein, and those high in vitamin C were separately found to be similarly protective.

In their discussion of the findings, the authors write that oxidative damage is believed to be associated with the development of BPH, particularly during states of chronic inflammation, therefore antioxidant nutrients found in vegetables such as vitamin C may be protective. They conclude, “Our findings are consistent with the hypothesis that a diet rich in vegetables and in beta-carotene, lutein, and vitamin C derived from foods may reduce the occurrence of BPH.”


Health Concern

Benign prostatic hyperplasia

The current clinical philosophy concerning BPH is to postpone any form of surgery for as long as possible to avoid complications that may jeopardize the patient’s quality of life. Stopping the progression of prostate enlargement through diet and pharmacotherapy should be the first approaches in the treatment of BPH (Djavan B et al 2002; Schulman C 2001).

Specific lifestyle changes can reduce the symptoms associated with BPH. If you want to reduce symptoms associated with BPH:

Eat ample amounts of fresh fish, fruits, and vegetables. The high mineral and vitamin content (especially of vitamins E and D) of these foods are essential for general health and metabolism but can also reflect positively on prostate cells.
Reduce stress, both on and off the job.
Exercise regularly.
Keep your weight within normal limits.
Keep track of the number of times you urinate during the night. See your physician as soon as you notice an increase in frequency.
If your physician prescribes medication to treat your BPH, follow his or her directions precisely. Make sure your physician knows about all botanical extracts or nutritional supplements you are taking.
To slow the natural progression of BPH and its symptoms, the Life Extension Foundation suggests that you have annual screenings, including a PSA test and a DRE. Neither of these tests can rule out prostate cancer; however, they can alert a physician to the need for further testing.

http://www.lef.org/protocols/male_reproductive
/benign_prostatic_hyperplasia_01.htm

http://www.lef.org/newsletter/2007/2007_02_09.htm