New research suggests that regular consumption of yogurt can affect the gut microbiome and bacteria levels, thereby reducing the risk of bowel cancer.
Regular consumption of yogurt may be more beneficial than previously thought, with new research suggesting that yogurt can reduce the risk of bowel cancer by affecting the gut microbiome.
A recent study published in the journal Gut Microbes by Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, revealed a potential protective effect of yogurt, specifically in preventing colorectal cancer, which is linked to specific bacteria in the gut. The findings, based on decades of data, may provide new dietary recommendations for cancer prevention.
20% reduction in proximal colon cancer incidence
Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer worldwide, and rates have been on the rise, especially among young people. Experts believe that factors such as poor diet, high consumption of ultra-processed foods, obesity and lack of exercise are contributing to the rising incidence of colorectal cancer.
The Brigham study examined the health of more than 150,000 participants using data from two major cohort studies in the United States, the Nurses’ Health Study (NHS) and the Health Professionals Follow-up Study (HPFS).
By reviewing participants’ dietary habits and analyzing more than 3,000 colorectal cancer cases, researchers found that people who consumed two or more servings of yogurt per week had a 20 percent lower incidence of proximal colorectal cancer, especially if the tumors contained detectable amounts of Bifidobacterium, a type of bacteria commonly found in yogurt.
The study highlights growing evidence that a balance of gut bacteria is important for maintaining colorectal health and potentially preventing cancer.
“Yogurt and other fermented dairy products have long been thought to benefit gastrointestinal health,” said co-senior author Tomotaka Ugai, MD, of the Department of Pathology at the Brigham Hospital.
“Our new findings suggest that this protective effect may be specific to Bifidobacterium-positive tumors.”
Potential for Future Research and Applications
While the findings are encouraging, the researchers caution that more research is needed to definitively establish a link between yogurt consumption and cancer prevention.
“Further studies are warranted to elucidate the mechanisms underlying the effects of long-term yogurt consumption on colorectal cancer,” the authors wrote.
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