Impact of Plant-Based Diet on PSA Level: Data From the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey

Urology. 2021 Oct:156:205-210. doi: 10.1016/j.urology.2021.05.086. Epub 2021 Jul 22.

Abstract

Objective: To determine the potential association between plant-based dietary content and PSA levels among men enrolled in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES).

Methods: Data on demographics, diet, and PSA levels was acquired from the NHANES database. Plant-based diet index (PDI) and healthful plant-based diet index (hPDI) were calculated using food frequency questionnaires. A higher score on PDI and hPDI indicates higher consumption of plant foods or healthy plant foods, respectively. Multivariable-adjusted logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the association between elevated PSA, clinical variables, demographics, and plant-based diet indices.

Results: A total of 1399 men were included in the final cohort. Median age of participants was 54 [46-63] years. Median PSA level was 0.9 [0.6-1.5] ng/dL, and 69 (4.9%) men had a PSA level ≥4 ng/dL. Although there was no association between elevated PSA and PDI, on multivariable analysis patients with higher consumption of healthy plant-based diet (high hPDI scores) had a decreased probability of having an elevated PSA (OR = 0.47, 95% CI: 0.24-0.95; P = .034).

Conclusion: There is a significant association between increased consumption of a healthy plant-based diet and lower PSA levels. This finding may be incorporated into the shared-decision making process with patients to promote healthier lifestyle choices to reduce the likelihood of prostate biopsy and potential treatment-related morbidity.

MeSH terms

  • Cohort Studies
  • Diet, Vegetarian*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Nutrition Surveys
  • Prostate-Specific Antigen / blood*

Substances

  • Prostate-Specific Antigen