Background

  While the protective role of antioxidant nutrients against cancer is well established, data on Asian diets in patients with oral cancer are meagre.

 Methods

  A total of 1029 subjects over 30 years of age were investigated on their dietary practices in the Sabaragamuwa province (Sri Lanka) in 2006–07. Data collection tools were an interviewer-administered questionnaire, a three-day food diary and an examination of the oral cavity. Subjects identified with Oral Potentially Malignant Disorders (OPMD) and disease-free controls were analysed in a case–control fashion. Among the OPMDs, those with leukoplakia were separately considered. A further subgroup analysis was undertaken for β-carotene-rich foods. The analysis was stratified by portions of fruit/vegetables consumed as five or more portions and two or more portions daily.

 Results

  A low BMI (<18.5) was a significant independent risk factor for the development of OPMD. More than half of both cases and controls consumed less than two portions of fruit/vegetables per day and only 20 subjects consumed more than five portions per day. Intake of more than two portions per day of β-carotene-containing fruits/vegetables significantly reduced the risk of having an OPMD and leukoplakia (OR = 0.5 95% CI, 0.3–0.9). The significant differences observed with BMI and fruits/vegetables were attenuated when adjusted for betel quid chewing, smoking and alcohol use.

 Conclusions

 This study discloses prevailing under-nutrition in this rural population with very low daily consumption of fruit/vegetables. Cancer preventive properties in their diets are limited and are swamped by the known carcinogenic agents associated with use of betel quid, tobacco and alcohol.

 Source: Journal of Oral Pathology & Medicine

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