A new study published in the journal Gut has found that men who consume yogurt regularly have a 19% lower risk of developing adenomas, which are benign polyps that can sometimes develop into colon cancer. Colon cancer is one of the most common types of cancer, with around 35,000 men and 30,000 women in Germany being diagnosed each year. The main causes of colon cancer include chronic inflammatory bowel disease, family history, and dietary habits. Recent research has also suggested that the gut microbiome may play a role in the development of colon cancer.
Researchers from the Washington University School of Medicine investigated whether yogurt, which has been shown to have a positive effect on the gut microbiome, could also reduce the risk of colon cancer and the development of adenomas. The study analyzed data from over 32,000 men and 55,000 women who had undergone at least one colonoscopy during the study period and had reported their dietary habits, including yogurt consumption. The results showed that men who ate yogurt two or more times a week had a 19% lower risk of developing adenomas compared to those who did not eat yogurt. The effect was even greater for adenomas that were more likely to develop into cancer, with a 26% lower risk for frequent yogurt eaters.
The researchers found that the biggest effect was seen in polyps in the middle of the colon, while the difference in risk between yogurt eaters and non-yogurt eaters was smaller for polyps in the rectum. However, no significant correlation was found between diet and the development of polyps in women. The study authors caution that a causal relationship between yogurt consumption and the prevention of adenomas has not yet been proven and further research is needed. Possible explanations for the protective effect of yogurt include the presence of beneficial bacteria in yogurt, such as Lactobacillus bulgaricus and Streptococcus thermophilus, which can break down harmful substances in the gut, as well as the anti-inflammatory properties of yogurt.
In conclusion, this study provides further evidence of the potential health benefits of consuming yogurt, particularly for men at risk of developing colon cancer. However, more research is needed to establish a causal relationship between yogurt consumption and the prevention of adenomas.
