BALTIMORE, September 13, 2021 / PRNewswire / – Plant-based diets are associated with multiple health and environmental benefits. Previous studies suggest a beneficial role for specific plant-based foods and a harmful role for certain foods of animal origin for prostate cancer and erectile dysfunction; However, little is known about plant-based eating habits and PSA levels, prostate cancer risk, or erectile dysfunction. Three new studies demonstrating the positive impact that plant-based diets can have on men’s health were presented in a special virtual press session at the 2021 American Urological Association annual meeting. The press session was moderated by Stacy loeb, MD, AUA Spokesperson and Professor of Urology and Population Health at New York University Langone Health, as well as the Manhattan Veterans Affairs Medical Center. The recording of this session is now available for viewing.

Watch the briefing

Abstracts presented:

Publication # PD65-08
Impact of plant-based diet on PSA level: data from the national survey on health and nutrition

In this study, the researchers set out to determine if there is an association between plant-based food content and PSA levels. Data on the demographics, diet and PSA levels of men enrolled in the National Health and Nutrition Survey (NHANES) were used. A plant-based diet index (PDI) and a plant-based healthy diet index (hPDI) were then calculated using food frequency questionnaires.

Main conclusions:

• There is a significant association between increased consumption of a healthy plant-based diet and lower levels of PSA.
• This finding can be incorporated into the decision-making process shared with patients to promote healthier lifestyle choices to reduce the likelihood of prostate biopsy and potential downstream morbidity.

Publication # MP32-06
Association of plant-based eating habits with prostate cancer risk

For prostate cancer, previous studies suggest a beneficial role in specific plant-based foods (eg, tomatoes with lycopene) and a potentially harmful role in specific foods of animal origin (eg, meat and dairy products). However, less is known about plant-based eating habits and the risk of prostate cancer. This prospective study included 47,239 men who were followed up to age 28 as part of the healthcare professional follow-up study. Plant-based dietary indices were calculated using data from questionnaires on the frequency of foods collected every four years.

Main conclusions:

• A greater overall consumption of plants has been associated with a significantly lower risk of fatal prostate cancer.
• In addition to the well-established benefits for general health and the environment, the data from this prospective study provide supporting evidence that greater consumption of healthy plant-based foods may be associated with greater risk. weak from aggressive prostate cancer, with the strongest results in younger men. .

Publication # PD20-05
Plant-based diets are associated with lower risk of erectile dysfunction

To assess the association between a plant-based diet and erectile dysfunction, the researchers collected data from 2,549 men in the National Health and Nutrition Survey (NHANES) database. Using the Food Frequency Questionnaire, a Global Healthy Plant-Based Diet Index (hPDI) was developed. Multivariate fitted logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the association between erectile dysfunction and hPDI.

Main conclusions:

• In a well-characterized national database, a healthy plant-based diet has been shown to be associated with less risk of having erectile dysfunction.

“Increased consumption of a healthy plant-based diet has significant urological and sexual health benefits,” said Dr. Stacy loeb. “These three studies show that dietary interventions can have a positive impact on overall health, as well as on specific urological conditions faced by millions of men.”

Full summaries are available for viewing:

https://www.auajournals.org/doi/10.1097/JU.0000000000002109.08
https://www.auajournals.org/doi/10.1097/JU.0000000000002036.06
https://www.auajournals.org/doi/10.1097/JU.0000000000002009.05

About the American Urological Association: Founded in 1902 and based near Baltimore, Maryland, the American Urological Association is a leading advocate for the specialty of urology, with nearly 23,000 members worldwide. The AUA is a leading urological association, providing invaluable support to the urological community as it pursues its mission of promoting the highest standards of urological care through education, research and formulation of health policies.

SOURCE American Urological Association