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Listen to this siteWednesday 22 October 2003
This research project aims to investigate the effect of dietary phytoestrogens on the development of prostate cancer.
Study Duration : June 1998 to January 2003
Contractor : University of Edinburgh
A low mortality rate from prostate cancer has been observed in vegetarians and certain ethnic groups known to consume relatively high levels of phytoestrogens, compared to the general population. This has led to the hypothesis that phytoestrogens may protect against the development of prostate cancer. To test this theory, the effect of dietary phytoestrogens on the development of prostate cancer will be investigated. In addition, the effect of phytoestrogens on the activity of 5-alpha-reductase, a possible factor in the development of prostate cancer, will be examined.
A group of prostate cancer cases (270 people) and a group of appropriate controls (270 people) will be selected from a Scottish population. A food frequency questionnaire, validated against the levels of phytoestrogens measured in the blood, will be used to estimate current and past phytoestrogen intake. The activity of 5-alpha-reductase in the blood will also be measured. These measurements will allow comparisons between phytoestrogen intake, 5-alpha-reductase activity and prostate cancer development to be made.
Blood phytoestrogen levels were similar in prostate cancer patients and control individuals, with the exception of enterolactone. Levels of enterolactone were higher in the people who were controls than in the prostate cancer patients. 5-alpha-reductase activity could not be measured due to technical difficulties.
Overall, dietary consumption of phytoestrogens by Scottish men was found to be very low, and unlikely, at such low levels, to significantly influence the risk of prostate cancer.
The final report is available from the FSA Library and Information centre. To obtain a copy, please contact the Enquiry Desk, Dr Elsie Widdowson Library and Information Services, Food Standards Agency (tel: 020 7276 8181/8182 or email: library&info@foodstandards.gsi.gov.uk )
Contact
: For any enquiries concerning this research project, please contact the relevant programme contact or email
science@foodstandards.gsi.gov.uk
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