Brassica Vegetables and Prostate Cancer Risk: A Review of the Epidemiologic Evidence

Abstract

This manuscript reviews the epidemiologic evidence that Brassica vegetables are associated with reduced prostate cancer risk. Brassica vegetables, which include broccoli, cabbage, mustard and collard greens, and bok choy, contain glucosinolates, whose metabolic breakdown products are potent modulators of xenobiotic metabolizing enzymes that protect DNA from damage. There are six published studies with clearly interpretable results regarding brassica vegetables and prostate cancer risk. Of these, three reported statistically significant reduced risks (p < 0.05), and one reported a borderline significant reduced risk (p = 0.06) with high Brassica vegetable consumption. The epidemiologic literature provides modest support for the hypothesis that high intakes of Brassica vegetables reduce prostate cancer risk.