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Allium Vegetables, Garlic Supplements did not Reduce CRC Risk
High intake of allium vegetables or garlic supplements were not found to reduce the risk for colorectal cancer, according to new research data.
In 2013, researchers performed a meta-analysis of prospective studies to provide a comprehensive assessment of associations between intake of allium vegetables, garlic supplements and risk for CRC. Eight studies included in the meta-analysis focused on allium vegetables and involved 5,458 patients with CRC and 7,125,067 person-years of follow-up, and five studies focused on garlic supplements and involved 2,685 patients and 2,304,439 person-years of follow-up.
Pooled analysis showed no association between high intake of allium vegetables and risk for CRC (RR=1.06; 95% CI, 0.96-1.17), but garlic supplements were associated with increased risk for CRC (RR=1.18; 95% CI, 1.02-1.36). Intake of allium vegetables did not correspond to CRC risk (P for nonlinear=.24; P for linear=.2). Subgroup analysis revealed a slightly increased risk for colon cancer among women with higher allium vegetable intake (RR=1.23; 95% CI, 1.01-1.5).
“In summary, our meta-analysis found that allium vegetable consumption and garlic supplements do not reduce the risk of CRC,” the researchers concluded. “Randomized controlled trials or well-designed cohort studies are warranted to confirm the adverse effects of garlic supplements.”
Disclosure: The researchers report no relevant financial disclosures.