Intake of foods containing phytochemicals is correlated with benign prostatic hyperplasia development: a long-term follow-up study

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a progressive disease affecting middle-aged and older men. Some phytochemicals are believed to prevent the development of BPH. However, evidence to demonstrate this association in middle-aged men is scarce. This study determined how the intake of various plant foods containing phytochemicals is associated with BPH development. Prostatic volume (PV) data were available for 120 participants during a long-term, cohort follow-up study. Participants with maximum PV ≥ 30 mL were diagnosed with BPH. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses identified independent risk factors for BPH using dietary data at entry. Maximum PV was reached at age 79 in patients without BPH ( n = 62) and 76.5 in patients with BPH ( n = 58). Multivariate logistic regression revealed that the risk of developing BPH was significantly higher among individuals with the highest intake of onions, daikon radish, or fruits than among those with the lowest intake. The risk of developing BPH was significantly higher among groups with the highest intake of β-carotene, lutein, or quercetin than among those with the lowest intake. After adjusting for phytochemicals, the risk was significantly lower among participants with the highest intake of lycopene or soybean polyphenols than among those with the lowest intake. Consuming foods containing phytochemicals with estrogen-like effects or anti-estrogenic effects might be associated with BPH development. Further research, such as incorporating biomarkers, expanding the cohort, and conducting intervention trials, is required to clarify these findings. Clinical trial registration: No. UMIN000037735.