Dietary Fiber, Insulin and Breast Tissue Composition at Age 15–18: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Background Risk of breast cancer in adult life is influenced by body size and height in childhood, but the mechanisms responsible for these associations are currently unknown. We carried out research to determine if, at age 15–18, measures of dietary intake were associated with body size, hormones, and with variations in breast tissue composition that in adult life are associated with risk of breast cancer. Methods In a cross-sectional study of 766 healthy Caucasian women aged 15–18, we measured percent breast water (PBW), total breast water and fat by magnetic resonance (MR), and assessed dietary intake using a validated food frequency questionnaire. We also measured height, weight, skin-fold thicknesses and waist-to-hip ratio, and in fasting blood assayed glucose and insulin. Results After adjustment for age, measures of body size, and energy intake, dietary fiber (insoluble and total fiber) and insulin were associated positively and significantly with PBW. Conclusions Dietary fiber and fasting insulin were associated with breast tissue measures. These data suggest a potential approach to breast cancer prevention.