Gut health and prostate cancer: The influence of a specific phytochemical-rich food capsule plus or minus a probiotic/prebiotic blend on symptoms and progression—A randomised, double-blind placebo-controlled trial
Abstract
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Background:
The "gut-prostate axis" is increasingly being recognised as an influencer of prostate cancer (PCa) incidence and progression via its affect on inflammation, oxidative stress and immune surveillance. Murine models have shown that improving the gut microbiome can slow cancer progression. Boosting phytochemical rich foods (PRF) has previously been shown to inhibit Prostatic Specific Antigen (PSA) progression in men with indolent PCa and are potent prebiotics, working in synergy with lactobacillus probiotics, and vitamin D. Until now, no study has evaluated this dietary combination in men with PCa.
Methods:
212 men with PSA progressing PCa (average age 74.5 years) managed with surveillance were given a Phytochemical Rich Supplement (PRS), uniquely containing both standardised extracts and whole purified organic ginger, cranberry, pomegranate, turmeric, broccoli and green tea. Men were then randomised (1:1) to a placebo (P) or a Probiotic blend (PB) of 5 lactobacillus probiotics with prebiotic inulin and vitamin D, for 16 weeks.
Results:
For the 105 men on PRS+P, the average rate of PSA rise pre to post baseline changed from 19.6% to 6.2% - a statistically significant (SS) reduction of 13.4% (a paired t-test p<0.01). For the 107 men on PRS/PB, the rate changed from a 21.7% rise to a 20% fall - a reduction of 41.7% (p<0.0001). There was a SS greater difference in PSA dynamics comparing the PRS+BP v PRS+P groups (28.3%, p<0.0001).The International Prostate Symptom…
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence Hub reads this as a randomized trial, done in people. Its evidence level is 2 of 5 (High · randomized trial). Randomized trials of a reasonable size are the strongest single-study design. Reported size: 212 participants or records.
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