What are the most effective nutritional interventions to support prostate cancer management?

From the Guidelines

For men with prostate cancer, the most effective nutritional interventions include adopting a plant-based diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes, while limiting red meat, processed foods, and dairy, as recommended by the American Cancer Society guidelines 1.

Key Nutritional Recommendations

• Emphasize micronutrient-rich and phytochemical-rich vegetables and fruits
• Limit saturated fat intake and consume adequate, but not excessive, amounts of dietary sources of calcium (not to exceed 1200 mg/day) 1
• Maintain a healthy weight through balanced nutrition and regular exercise, aiming for at least 150 minutes per week of moderate-intensity exercise or 75 minutes per week of vigorous-intensity aerobic physical activity 1
• Limit alcohol consumption to no more than 2 drinks per day 1

Beneficial Foods and Supplements

• Tomatoes (containing lycopene), cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, cauliflower), green tea, pomegranate, and foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids like fatty fish and flaxseeds may be beneficial 1
• Vitamin D (at least 600 IU per day) and adequate calcium intake are recommended 1
• Supplements like selenium and green tea extract may be beneficial, but should complement rather than replace a healthy diet

Importance of Professional Guidance

• Survivors with nutrition-related challenges should be referred to a registered dietitian, preferably one who is also a Certified Specialist in Oncology Nutrition if available, for specialized nutrition counseling 1
• Significant dietary changes should be discussed with a healthcare provider, especially if undergoing active treatment 1

From the Research

Nutritional Interventions for Prostate Cancer Management

The most effective nutritional interventions to support prostate cancer management include:

• A diet low in particular fats, animal proteins, dairy products, and high in vegetables and fruits 2, 3, 4
• Promoting a dietary pattern low in processed meat, dairy products, refined carbohydrates, and saturated fats, but high in fruits and vegetables 2, 3
• Consuming vegetables, fruits, fish, and whole grain products, which exert protective and/or therapeutic effects 3
• Avoiding high glycemic index foods, which are positively associated with risk of aggressive disease 5
• Considering bioactive compounds such as flavonoids, stilbenes, and lycopene, which have special functions 3

Key Foods and Nutrients

Key foods and nutrients that may be beneficial for prostate cancer management include:

• Leafy vegetables, which are inversely associated with risk of aggressive prostate cancer 5
• High carotenoid vegetables, which may decrease risk of aggressive prostate cancer 5
• Fruits, which are high in antioxidants and may have protective effects 3, 4
• Whole grain products, which may have therapeutic effects 3
• Fish, which may have protective effects due to its high omega-3 fatty acid content 3

Dietary Patterns and Lifestyle Considerations

Dietary patterns and lifestyle considerations that may be beneficial for prostate cancer management include:

• Multimodality interventions that integrate several factors, such as low-saturated fat, plant-based, whole-food diets with exercise, and stress reduction 6
• A habit of wellness through healthy eating, aerobic and resistance exercise, and psychological well-being 6
• Avoiding nonprescribed vitamin and mineral supplements, as well as excessive meat, dairy products, and saturated fat 6, 4