The consumption of milk and dairy products increases prostate cancer progression and helps cause prostate cancer: however, not all dairy products were equal, according to a meta-review of research by scientists at the University of Lisbon.
Researchers from the European University of Lisbon took 21 research studies meeting their quality criteria and showed that milk and dairy products have an effect on both mTOR and IGF-1 in the progression of prostate cancer(1). However, the researchers felt the evidence was limited. Intake of milk products seemed to be related to IGF-1 promotion and the increase of mTORC signalling pathways, and persistent hyperactivation of mTORC was linked to prostate cancer promotion.
They also felt, but could not prove, that not all dairy products were equal in their effects and this could vary by species between goats, sheep and cows..
While they observed clear links between dairy consumption and progression, the effect on cause was present but less strong.
The researchers highlighted the inconsistency of available research noting that while there are studies which linked milk consumption in adolescence with greater prostate cancer risk later in life (2); and others (3) linking dairy consumption with greater mortality, some make no such links.
Go to: Prostate cancer overview - symptoms, causes and alternative treatments
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References
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6527888/
- Torfadottir JE, Steingrimsdottir L, Mucci L, Aspelund T, Kasperzyk JL, Olafsson O,et al. . Milk intake in early life and risk of advanced prostate cancer. Am JEpidemiol. (2012) 175:144–53. 10.1093/aje/kwr289
- Lu W, Chen H, Niu Y, Wu H, Xia D, Wu Y. Dairy products intake and cancer mortality risk: a meta-analysis of 11 population-based cohort studies. Nutr J. (2016) 15:91. 10.1186/s12937-016-0210-9