Mediterranean diet and colorectal cancer: A systematic review.
Study Goal
The researchers aimed to evaluate the correlation between red wine (as a component of the Mediterranean diet) and the incidence and progression of colorectal cancer.
Results Summary
The study found that red wine resveratrol showed characteristics in vitro that interfere with molecular cancer pathways, and clinical studies reported an association with reduced cancer initiation and progression. However, more research is needed to determine precise dosing and administration.
Population
General population, with a focus on dietary patterns in Western vs. Mediterranean societies.
Effective Dosage
Not specified
Duration
Not specified
Interactions
None mentioned
| Intervention | Direction | Endpoint | Population | Dosage | Impact | Claim # |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Mediterranean diet | decrease | decreased overall cancer mortality | people living along the Mediterranean coast | - | correlated to | #1 |
olive oil polyphenols | neutral | molecular cancer pathways | in vitro | - | showed several characteristics | #2 |
red wine resveratrol | neutral | molecular cancer pathways | in vitro | - | showed several characteristics | #3 |
tomato lycopene | neutral | molecular cancer pathways | in vitro | - | showed several characteristics | #4 |
olive oil polyphenols, red wine resveratrol, and tomato lycopene | decrease | cancer initiation and progression | clinical studies | - | reported an association | #5 |
Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer worldwide, especially in developed countries where an estimated 60% of all cases occur. There is evidence of a higher risk for CRC in Western society, where people tend to eat more red and processed meat than those living along the Mediterranean coast, who have a decreased overall cancer mortality, which is correlated to their eating habits, such as Mediterranean diet. The aim of this review was to evaluate the correlation between three components of the Mediterranean diet (olive oil, red wine, and tomatoes) and incidence and progression of colorectal cancer. As such, we conducted a literature search using keywords "colorectal cancer," "dietary pattern," "Mediterranean diet," "olive oil," "protective effects," "resveratrol," and "lycopene." Olive oil polyphenols, red wine resveratrol, and tomato lycopene showed several characteristics in vitro that interfere with molecular cancer pathways. At the same time, many clinical studies have reported an association of these components with a reduction in cancer initiation and progression. More clinical studies are needed to identify the precise dose and administration of single agents or their combination to produce a coadjutant treatment to those already applied in chemoprevention and oncologic treatment.