Research has indicated that a number of foods that may be helpful and reduce the risk of prostate cancer. These include soya and soy products (it is thought that this may be due to the oestrogen content of soya which has a reverse effect of testosterone, and can have a beneficial effect on cancer cells). However, there is mixed evidence on this (see Food Standards Agency- draft Report on Committee on Toxicity Working Group on Phytoestrogens 2008).
A recent study by the World Cancer Research Fund published in 2007 concluded that "foods containing lycopene, as well as selenium, probably protect against prostate cancer and foods containing calcium are a probable cause". A study using data from the UN in 56 countries found that there was an inverse association between the numbers of men eating cereals, nuts and linseeds and prostate cancer levels of mortality
Other key substances include vitamin D and vitamin E. It is argued that these vitamins have beneficial effects by reducing the effect of "free radicals" on the body, which can contribute to the development of cancer. However recent studies in the United States have shown that there is no benefit to men in prevention of prostate cancer in taking Vitamin E, or selenium as supplements
In the case of prostatitis there is some evidence that antioxidants such as polyphenols and particularly quercetin may be helpful for men with chronic prostatitis. (see Shoskes DA et al - Quercetin in men with category III chronic prostatitis: a preliminary prospective, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Urology. 1999 Dec; 54(6):960-3).
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