Soy product intake is inversely associated with serum homocysteine level in premenopausal Japanese women

Soybeans, which are an excellent source of folate, vitamin B-6 and minerals, may reduce serum homocysteine level. However, there is a possibility that dietary soy raises the serum homocysteine level because isoflavones, which are weak estrogens contained in soybeans, may exert antiestrogenic effects in a high estrogen environment, such as in premenopausal women. The present study examined a cross-sectional relationship between soy product intake and serum homocysteine level in 201 premenopausal Japanese women. Intakes of soy products, folate, methionine and vitamins B-6 and B-12 were estimated by a semiquantitative food frequency questionnaire. Folate status was also assessed by measuring serum folate. Soy product intake in terms of soy protein as well as soy isoflavone intake was modestly but significantly inversely associated with serum homocysteine level (r = -0.15, P = 0.04) after controlling for covariates. Soy product intake was also significantly positively correlated with serum folate (r = 0.15, P = 0.04). Although it is unclear the extent to which each component of soy, such as folate and isoflavones, is associated with the serum homocysteine concentration, this biochemical complex appears to have a favorable effect on homocysteine metabolism in premenopausal women.     

Fat intake is associated with serum estrogen and androgen concentrations in postmenopausal Japanese women

A reduction in fat intake has been associated with decreased estrogen levels in dietary intervention studies. However, previous cross-sectional studies conducted mainly among Western populations did not find a positive association between fat intake and postmenopausal estrogen levels. This study examined the cross-sectional association of fat intake with serum levels of estrone, estradiol, testosterone, and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS) in women. Study subjects were 324 healthy postmenopausal Japanese women. Diet including fat intake was assessed by a validated semiquantitative FFQ. After controlling for age and other potential breast cancer risk factors, serum estrone was positively associated with the percentage of energy from total fat (P = 0.04). The associations of serum estrone with monounsaturated fat and polyunsaturated fat were of borderline significance (P = 0.05). Serum DHEAS was positively associated with the percentage of energy from total fat (P = 0.007), saturated fat (P = 0.009), monounsaturated fat (P = 0.006), and polyunsaturated fat (P = 0.04). Serum estrone and DHEAS concentrations increased 11.8 and 9.3%, respectively, with a 5% increase in the percentage of energy from total fat. These data suggest that a high intake of fat is associated with higher serum levels of estrone and DHEAS in postmenopausal women.     

Total fat intake is associated with decreased mortality in Japanese men but not in women

Dietary guidelines generally recommend avoiding a high-fat diet. However, the relationship between fat subtypes and mortality remains unclear especially in a population with a relatively low intake of fat. We aimed to prospectively examine the relationship between dietary fat intake and all-cause and cause-specific mortality in a Japanese community. In 1992, a total of 28,356 residents of Takayama, Japan, without cancer, stroke, or coronary heart disease, responded to a validated 169-item FFQ. We identified 4616 deaths during a 16-y follow-up. The HR of mortality according to the percentage of energy from the total and subtypes of fat when substituted for an isoenergic quantity of carbohydrate was calculated after controlling for potential confounders. A high intake of total fat and PUFA was associated with a decrease in all-cause mortality in men; the HR for the highest compared with the lowest quintile were 0.83 (95% CI: 0.70, 0.99; P-trend = 0.048) for total fat and 0.77 (95% CI: 0.62, 0.95; P-trend = 0.05) for PUFA. Both fats were associated with a decrease in mortality from cancer and diseases other than cardiovascular disease. In women, a higher SFA intake was associated with higher all-cause mortality [HR = 1.22 (95% CI: 0.99, 1.49; P-trend = 0.03)]. A favorable effect was suggested for total fat and PUFA intakes on mortality in men except for that from cardiovascular disease, whereas increased SFA intake may be associated with adverse health consequences in women.     

Higher dietary intake of alpha-linolenic acid is associated with lower insulin resistance in middle-aged Japanese

ObjectiveTo investigate the associations between dietary intake of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (plant-derived alpha-linolenic acid: ALA, and marine-derived eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acid: EPA + DHA) and insulin resistance (IR) in a lean population with high n-3 PUFA intake.MethodWe cross-sectionally studied 3383 Japanese local government workers aged 35–66 in 2002. IR was defined as the highest quartile of homeostasis model assessment, and nutrient intake was estimated from a diet history questionnaire. The odds ratios (ORs) of IR taking the lowest quartile of ALA or EPA + DHA intake as the reference were calculated by logistic regression analysis.ResultsMean age, body mass index (BMI), and dietary ALA, and median of dietary EPA + DHA were 47.9 years, 22.9 kg/m², and 1.90 g/day (0.88%E) and 0.77 g/day (0.36%E), respectively. The ORs of IR decreased across the quartiles of ALA intake (multivariate-adjusted OR for Q4 versus Q1 = 0.74, P for trend = 0.01) and the association was observed only in subjects with a BMI of < 25 kg/m² (P for interaction = 0.033). However EPA + DHA showed no such associations consistently.ConclusionHigher ALA intake was significantly associated with a lower prevalence of IR in normal weight individuals of middle-aged Japanese men and women.     

Low intake of vitamin B-6 is associated with increased risk of colorectal cancer in Japanese men

We investigated the association of dietary intakes of folate, vitamin B-6, vitamin B-12, and methionine with the risk of colorectal cancer in a large prospective cohort study of middle-aged Japanese men and women. A total of 81,184 subjects (38,107 men and 43,077 women) who participated in the Japan Public Health Center-based Prospective Study were followed from 1995-1998 to the end of 2002, during which 526 cases of colorectal cancer (335 men, 191 women) were newly identified. Dietary intake of nutrients was calculated using a 138-item self-administered FFQ. We observed a significant inverse association between vitamin B-6 intake and colorectal cancer in men. Compared with the lowest quartile, the multivariate hazard ratio (95% [CI]) in the highest quartile of intake was 0.69 (0.48-0.98) (P(trend) = 0.03). Men who consumed 150 g/wk alcohol or more had twice the risk of colorectal cancer of those who drank less in the lowest quartile of vitamin B-6 intake, but risk due to alcohol intake was not higher in the highest quartile of vitamin B-6 intake. Vitamin B-6 intake and colorectal cancer were not associated in women. Folate and methionine intakes were not associated with colorectal cancer risk in men or women, but colorectal cancer risk tended to increase (P(trend) = 0.05) with increasing intake of vitamin B-12 in men. Our results support previous evidence that low vitamin B-6 intake is associated with an increased risk of colorectal cancer. In particular, a higher intake of vitamin B-6 appears beneficial in men with higher alcohol intake.     

Increased sucrose intake is not associated with a change in glucose or insulin sensitivity in people with type 2 diabetes

Background Debate continues over the role of sucrose and sucrose-containing food in the diet for people with type 2 diabetes. Traditionally, dietary recommendations have suggested sucrose be reduced to a minimum level to improve glycaemic control. More recently the American Diabetes Association evidence-based guidelines have suggested a more liberal approach.

Objective To investigate whether a 50 g increase in sucrose given as three slices of cake a day over a period of 24 days (88±7.5 g total sucrose/day) in combination with an increased monounsaturated fat intake (20% E) in line with current American Diabetes Association recommendations has an effect on glycaemic control or insulin sensitivity in people with type 2 diabetes.

Design We re-examined results from a larger study that investigated the type of fat in the diet of people with type 2 diabetes. Nine overweight people with type 2 diabetes received a high-sucrose, high-monounsaturated-fat isocaloric diet for 24 days.

Results Weight and glycaemic control remained stable throughout the study. There was no significant change in HbA1c over the study period. There was no change in insulin sensitivity, measured by the short insulin tolerance test. There was no change in fasting or postprandial incremental area under the curve in response to an identical standard test meal for glucose or insulin.

Conclusions Over the 3-week intervention period, an isocaloric increase in the dietary intakes of sucrose to 13% of total energy per day in people with type 2 diabetes was not associated with a decline in glycaemic control or insulin sensitivity.     

Increased sucrose intake is not associated with a change in glucose or insulin sensitivity in people with type 2 diabetes

BACKGROUND: Debate continues over the role of sucrose and sucrose-containing food in the diet for people with type 2 diabetes. Traditionally, dietary recommendations have suggested sucrose be reduced to a minimum level to improve glycaemic control. More recently the American Diabetes Association evidence-based guidelines have suggested a more liberal approach. OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether a 50 g increase in sucrose given as three slices of cake a day over a period of 24 days (88 +/- 7.5 g total sucrose/day) in combination with an increased monounsaturated fat intake (20% E) in line with current American Diabetes Association recommendations has an effect on glycaemic control or insulin sensitivity in people with type 2 diabetes. DESIGN: We re-examined results from a larger study that investigated the type of fat in the diet of people with type 2 diabetes. Nine overweight people with type 2 diabetes received a high-sucrose, high-monounsaturated-fat isocaloric diet for 24 days. Results Weight and glycaemic control remained stable throughout the study. There was no significant change in HbAlc over the study period. There was no change in insulin sensitivity, measured by the short insulin tolerance test. There was no change in fasting or postprandial incremental area under the curve in response to an identical standard test meal for glucose or insulin. CONCLUSIONS: Over the 3-week intervention period, an isocaloric increase in the dietary intakes of sucrose to 13% of total energy per day in people with type 2 diabetes was not associated with a decline in glycaemic control or insulin sensitivity.     

Rice intake is associated with reduced risk of mortality from cardiovascular disease in Japanese men but not women

Rice is a staple food in Japan and provides 43% of carbohydrate and 29% of energy intake in the Japanese population. In a prospective study encompassing 83,752 Japanese men and women aged 40-79 y, rice intake was determined by self-administered FFQ. Median follow-up time was 14.1 y from 1988-1990 to the end of 2003, and HR and 95% CI of mortality were calculated according to quintiles of energy-adjusted rice intake. A total of 3514 cardiovascular deaths [1640 strokes, 707 coronary heart disease (CHD), and 560 heart failure] were documented. There was a gender difference on the effect of rice intake on the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Overall, rice intake was inversely associated with CHD, heart failure, and total CVD in men but not in women. Rice intake was not associated with risk of stroke in either gender. The multivariable HR (95% CI) for the extreme quintiles of rice intake in men were 0.70 [(0.49-0.99); P-trend = 0.02] for CHD, 0.70 [(0.46-1.05); P-trend = 0.05] for heart failure, and 0.82 [(0.70-0.97); P-trend = 0.006] for total CVD. For women, rice was not associated with reduced risk of mortality from CVD after adjusting for lifestyle and dietary variables. In conclusion, the consumption of steamed rice was associated with reduced risk of mortality from CVD in Japanese men but not women. This finding necessitates further investigations on the mechanisms leading to this gender difference.     

Total n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid intake is inversely associated with serum C-reactive protein in young Japanese women

Little is known about the relation of dietary factors to circulating C-reactive protein (CRP) concentrations in young adults and non-Western populations. We cross-sectionally examined associations between dietary intake and serum CRP concentrations in young Japanese women. The subjects were 443 female Japanese dietetic students aged 18 to 22 years. Dietary intake was assessed with a validated, self-administered, comprehensive, diet history questionnaire. Serum CRP concentrations were measured by highly sensitive nephelometry. The prevalence of elevated CRP (≥1 mg/L) was 5.6%. After adjustment for possible confounding factors including body mass index, a significant inverse association was seen between total n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid intake and elevated CRP. The multivariate adjusted odds ratios of elevated CRP for women with intake below and above the median (1.1% of energy) were 1.00 and 0.33 (95% confidence interval, 0.13-0.82; P = .02), respectively. Intake of eicosapentaenoic acid + docosahexaenoic acid and α-linolenic acid was not associated with elevated CRP concentrations (P = .62 and P = .27, respectively). Vitamin C intake was independently inversely associated with elevated CRP, although the association was nonsignificant (P = .10). No clear associations were observed for other dietary factors examined including total fat, saturated fatty acids, monounsaturated fatty acids, polyunsaturated fatty acids, total dietary fiber, soluble dietary fiber, insoluble dietary fiber, and magnesium; fruits, vegetables, and fish and shellfish; and dietary glycemic load (P = .27 to P = .99). In conclusion, total n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid intake showed an independent inverse association with elevated serum CRP concentration in a group of young Japanese women.     

Daily magnesium intake and serum magnesium concentration among Japanese people

Background

The vitamins and minerals that are deficient in the daily diet of a normal adult remain unknown. To answer this question, we conducted a population survey focusing on the relationship between dietary magnesium intake and serum magnesium level.

Methods

The subjects were 62 individuals from Fukui Prefecture who participated in the 1998 National Nutrition Survey. The survey investigated the physical status, nutritional status, and dietary data of the subjects. Holidays and special occasions were avoided, and a day when people are most likely to be on an ordinary diet was selected as the survey date.

Results

The mean (±standard deviation) daily magnesium intake was 322 (±132), 323 (±163), and 322 (±147) mg/day for men, women, and the entire group, respectively. The mean (±standard deviation) serum magnesium concentration was 20.69 (±2.83), 20.69 (±2.88), and 20.69 (±2.83) ppm for men, women, and the entire group, respectively. The distribution of serum magnesium concentration was normal. Dietary magnesium intake showed a log-normal distribution, which was then transformed by logarithmic conversion for examining the regression coefficients. The slope of the regression line between the serum magnesium concentration (Y ppm) and daily magnesium intake (X mg) was determined using the formula Y = 4.93 (log₁₀X) + 8.49. The coefficient of correlation (r) was 0.29. A regression line (Y = 14.65X + 19.31) was observed between the daily intake of magnesium (Y mg) and serum magnesium concentration (X ppm). The coefficient of correlation was 0.28.

Conclusion

The daily magnesium intake correlated with serum magnesium concentration, and a linear regression model between them was proposed.Key words: Random Sampling, National Nutrition Survey, Daily Magnesium Intake, Serum Magnesium Concentration, Spectrum Analysis     

Energy intake is associated with endotoxemia in apparently healthy men

BACKGROUND: The bridge between food intake and weight is not fully understood. Recently, the role of gut microbiota and bacterial lipopolysacharides (LPS) in weight has been noted. OBJECTIVE: The objective was to evaluate the relation between plasma LPS concentration and food intake. DESIGN: A dietary survey was conducted in 1015 subjects randomly recruited in France. The participants were given oral and written instructions on how to keep a consecutive 3-d food record. Plasma LPS was measured in a subsample of 201 men. To assess, under controlled conditions, the differential impact of various high-energy diets, plasma LPS concentrations were measured in mice fed a high-fat or a high-carbohydrate diet over a 4-wk period. RESULTS: In humans, no significant relation was observed between cardiovascular disease risk factors, carbohydrate and protein intakes, and plasma LPS concentration. Conversely, positive correlations were observed with fat and energy intakes. In a multivariate analysis, endotoxemia was independently associated with energy intake. Compared with the control mice, mice fed a high-energy diet showed an increase in plasma LPS. However, in mice fed a high-carbohydrate diet, the increase in plasma LPS was blunted compared with mice fed a high-fat diet. CONCLUSIONS: In this large sample of healthy men from a population-based sample, we found a link between food intake and plasma LPS. Experimental data suggest that fat was more efficient in transporting bacterial LPS from the gut lumen into the bloodstream. The results of this study add to the knowledge of mechanisms responsible for relations between food intake and metabolic diseases.     

Alcohol intake is associated with altered pulmonary function.

Little is known about the effect of moderate alcohol intake on lung function in the general population. Because moderate alcohol intake appears to reduce cardiovascular disease risk, we hypothesized that moderate alcohol intake is associated with better pulmonary function. To test this hypothesis, we examined the association between alcohol intake and pulmonary function, measured by spirometry, in a representative sample of U.S. adults who participated in the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. A stratified multistage clustered probability design was used to select a population-based sample. Data analyzed included alcohol intake, smoking status, education, body mass, sex, age, race, diabetes status, and CHF status. The Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey was conducted from 1988 to 1994 by the National Center for Health Statistics of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA. We analyzed data from 15,294 study participants who completed extensive questionnaires in the household and a comprehensive physical examination, including pulmonary function testing, either in the household or at a specially equipped mobile examination center. Low-to-moderate alcohol intake was not associated with reduced odds of obstructive lung function. In fact, increased odds for obstructive lung pattern were observed only in former heavy drinkers. In contrast, low-to-moderate alcohol intake was associated with better forced vital capacity and forced exhaled volume in 1s in the absence of obstruction, consistent with reduced odds for lung restriction. Using a logistic regression model, we found that individuals reporting alcohol consumption had a lower risk of lung restriction both before and after adjusting for confounding factors including smoking (P< or =.001). Alcohol intake-related reduced risk for restriction was associated with lower risk of CHF, diabetes, obesity, and lower markers of inflammation (white blood cell, fibrinogen, and C-reactive protein) consistent with less lung congestion, external restriction, and/or lung inflammation. Our analyses indicate that alcohol consumption, even at very modest intake levels, is associated with less lung restriction.     

Dietary energy density is associated with increased intake in free-living humans

Dietary energy density markedly influences the daily dietary intake of humans. The present study examined the relation of energy density to dietary intake and body size in 371 male and 581 female adults. The subjects were free-living and provided a detailed record of their everyday food and drink intake in 7-d food diaries. The reported diets were analyzed for the relation of energy density to body size and to per-meal, daily, and weekly dietary intake. High energy density was associated with greater (P < 0.001) total intake, especially of fat, when intake was correlated with energy density (r = 0.26, P < 0.001) and when the daily intake of individual participants was correlated with their daily dietary density (r = 0.66, P < 0.001). These results occurred regardless of sex, low reporting, or the inclusion of drinks in the energy density calculations. High energy density was also associated with a high rate of intake (r = 0.46, P < 0.001) and large meal sizes (r = 0.61, P < 0.001). However, energy density was not correlated with body size, height, weight, or body mass index. High energy density appears to be related to greater overall intake in the short-term, but there may be compensation over the long term, with no net effect on body size.     

Lifelong low-phylloquinone intake is associated with cognitive impairments in old rats

In a previous report, we showed vitamin K to preferentially accumulate in brain regions rich in white matter and to positively correlate with certain sphingolipids. In rodents, pharmacological vitamin K deficiency has resulted in behavioral perturbations. To gain insight on the role of vitamin K status on brain function, we investigated learning abilities (Morris water maze), motor activity (open field), and anxiety (elevated plus maze) in distinct groups of 6-, 12-, and 20-mo-old female Sprague-Dawley rats that had been fed diets containing low (L; ~80 μg/kg diet), adequate (A; ~500 μg/kg diet), or high (H; ~2000 μg/kg diet) levels of phylloquinone (μg/kg diet; n = 9-12/diet) since weaning. In 20-mo-old rats, sphingolipids (cerebroside, sulfatide, sphingomyelin, ceramide, and gangliosides), phylloquinone, and menaquinone-4 were also assessed in cerebellum, midbrain, pons medulla, striatum, and hippocampus. Lifetime consumption of a low-vitamin K diet resulted in cognitive deficits in the 20-mo-old rats, with those in the L group having longer latencies than those in the H group (P < 0.05); this was associated with higher concentrations of ceramides in the hippocampus (P < 0.05) and lower gangliosides in the pons medulla and midbrain (P < 0.05). The low-vitamin K diet did not affect cognition at 6 and 12 mo of age, nor did it affect motor activity or anxiety at any age. Although much remains to be elucidated about the mechanism of action of vitamin K in cognition, this report points to vitamin K as an important nutritional factor contributing to cognitive health during aging.     

Whole-grain intake is associated with body mass index in college students

OBJECTIVE: To measure whole-grain intake in college students and determine the association with body mass index (BMI). DESIGN: Cross-sectional convenience sample of college students enrolled in an introductory nutrition course. SETTING: Large state university. PARTICIPANTS: 159 college students, mean age: 19.9. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Intake of whole grains, refined grains, calories, and fiber from food records; BMI determined from height and weight measurements. ANALYSIS: Analysis of variance with linear contrasts; participants grouped by BMI category (P<.05). RESULTS: Average intake of cereal grains was 5.4 servings per day, of which whole-grain intake accounted for an average of 0.7 servings per day. Whole-grain intake was significantly higher in normal weight students than in overweight and obese students (based on BMI). CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: The low intake of whole grains in this population of college students indicates the need for interventions aiming to increase whole-grain intake to the recommended minimum of 3 servings per day. College students who are concerned about their body weight may be motivated to increase their intake of whole-grain foods; however, their intake of whole grains is likely to be influenced by the availability of these food items in campus dining halls and other locations around the college campus.     

Dairy intake is associated with lower body fat and soda intake with greater weight in adolescent girls

Body fat and weight of 9- to 14-y-old girls (n = 323) from Kaiser Permanente were studied in relation to age, ethnicity, and physical activity. Mean age, calcium intake, weight, and iliac skinfold thickness were 11.5 +/- 1.4 y, 736.5 +/- 370.7 mg/d, 44.6 +/- 13.0 kg, and 12.4 +/- 6.1 mm, respectively. Multiple regression with age, ethnicity, height, Tanner breast stage, physical activity, energy, soda, and calcium intake explained 17% of the variation in iliac skinfold thickness. Calcium intake, age, and physical activity were significantly negatively associated with iliac skinfold thickness whereas height, Tanner breast stage, and Pacific Islander ethnicity were significantly positively associated (P < 0.0001, R(2) = 0.165). Substituting total calcium with dairy and nondairy calcium in separate models accounted for 16 and 15% of the variance, respectively (P < 0.0001, both models); 1 mg of total and dairy calcium was significantly associated with 0.0025 mm (P = 0.01) and 0.0026 mm (P = 0.02) lower iliac skinfold thickness. Thus, 1 milk serving was associated with 0.78 mm iliac skinfold thickness. The interaction of Asian ethnicity and dairy intake was significant (P = 0.027). Nondairy calcium was not associated with weight or iliac skinfold thickness. Soda intake was significantly positively associated with weight in both models (P = 0.01, both models). Decreasing soda and increasing dairy consumption among Asians may help maintain body fat and weight during adolescence.     

Marine fatty acid intake is associated with breast cancer prognosis

EPA and DHA, long-chain (n-3) PUFA largely obtained from fish, inhibit the proliferation of breast cancer cells in vitro and reduce the initiation and progression of breast tumors in laboratory animals. Our purpose in this analysis was to examine whether intake of these marine fatty acids (EPA and DHA) were associated with prognosis in a cohort of women who had been diagnosed and treated for early stage breast cancer (n = 3,081). Median follow-up was 7.3 y. Dietary intake was assessed using 24-h recalls (~4 recalls per dietary assessment obtained at 7 time points over 6 y). Survival models with time-dependent covariates were used to examine the association of repeated measures of dietary intake of EPA and DHA from food (i.e., marine sources) and supplements with disease-free survival and overall survival. Women with higher intakes of EPA and DHA from food had an approximate 25% reduced risk of additional breast cancer events [tertile 2: HR = 0.74 (95% CI = 0.58-0.94); tertile 3: HR = 0.72 (95% CI = 0.57-0.90)] compared with the lowest tertile of intake. Women with higher intakes of EPA and DHA from food had a dose-dependent reduced risk of all-cause mortality [tertile 2: HR = 0.75 (95% CI = 0.55-1.04); tertile 3: HR = 0.59 (95% CI = 0.43-0.82)]. EPA and DHA intake from fish oil supplements was not associated with breast cancer outcomes. The investigation indicates that marine fatty acids from food are associated with reduced risk of additional breast cancer events and all-cause mortality.     

Dietary phytoestrogen intake is associated with reduced colorectal cancer risk

Evidence suggests dietary phytoestrogens may reduce the risk of certain hormonal cancers (e.g. breast and prostate). There is a paucity of data regarding phytoestrogens and colorectal cancer risk. Phytoestrogens are plant compounds with estrogen-like activities. Main classes include isoflavones (found in legumes such as soy) and lignans (found in grains, seeds, nuts, fruits, and vegetables). Although isoflavones have dominated phytoestrogen cancer research, lignans may be more relevant to North American diets. Food questionnaires and analytic databases have recently been modified to incorporate some lignan information. We conducted a case-control study to evaluate the association between phytoestrogen intake and colorectal cancer risk. Colorectal cancer cases were diagnosed in 1997-2000, aged 20-74 y, identified through the population-based Ontario Cancer Registry, and recruited by the Ontario Familial Colorectal Cancer Registry. Controls were a sex and age-group matched random sample of the population of Ontario. Epidemiologic and food frequency questionnaires were completed by 1095 cases and 1890 control subjects. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to obtain adjusted odds ratio (OR) estimates. Dietary lignan intake was associated with a significant reduction in colorectal cancer risk [OR (T3 vs. T1) = 0.73; 95% CI: 0.56, 0.94], as was isoflavone intake [OR (T3 vs. T1) = 0.71; 95% CI: 0.58, 0.86]. We evaluated interactions between polymorphic genes that encode enzymes possibly involved in metabolism of phytoestrogens (CYPs, catechol O-methyl transferase, GSTs, and UGTs) and found no significant effect modification with respect to phytoestrogen intake. This finding that phytoestrogen intake may reduce colorectal cancer risk is important, because dietary intake is potentially modifiable.     

Dietary acrylamide intake is not associated with gastrointestinal cancer risk

Acrylamide is a probable human carcinogen that was detected in several heat-treated foods, such as French fries and crisps, in 2002. Prospective studies are needed on acrylamide and human cancer risk. We prospectively investigated the association between acrylamide and gastrointestinal cancer risk. In 1986, 120,852 men and women (aged 55-69 y) were included in the Netherlands Cohort Study on diet and cancer. At baseline, a random subcohort of 5000 participants was selected for a case-cohort approach. Acrylamide intake was assessed with a FFQ at baseline and was based on acrylamide analyses in relevant Dutch foods. After 13.3 y of follow-up, 2190, 563, 349, and 216 cases of colorectal, gastric, pancreatic, and esophageal cancer, respectively, were available for analysis. The daily acrylamide intake of the subcohort was (mean +/- SD) 21.7 +/- 12.1 microg. A 10-microg/d increment of acrylamide intake was associated with multivariable-adjusted Cox proportional hazard rate ratios (HR) (95% CI) of 1.00 (0.96-1.06), 1.02 (0.94-1.10), 1.06 (0.96-1.17), and 0.96 (0.85-1.09) for colorectal, gastric, pancreatic, and esophageal cancer, respectively. For former or never-smokers, the corresponding HR were: 1.03 (0.94-1.12), 1.09 (0.98-1.22), 1.07 (0.93-1.24), and 0.92 (0.76-1.11). There were some significantly increased risks within subgroups stratified by obesity, nonoccupational physical activity, and age, factors that were a priori selected based on their capacity to modify cytochrome P4502E1 activity. Overall, acrylamide intake was not associated with colorectal, gastric, pancreatic, and esophageal cancer risk, but some subgroups deserve further attention.