A recent study by LSU Health New Orleans' Schools of Public Health and Medicine faculty sheds light on the significant role of diet in the context of HPV infection, a primary cause of cervical cancer. The research indicates a correlation between dietary habits and the risk of genital high-risk-HPV infection in women.
Study Findings: Diet and HPV Infection
The study, utilizing de-identified data from 10,543 women aged 18-59 from the 2003-2016 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), revealed that women who consumed insufficient quantities of fruits, dark-green vegetables, and beans faced a considerably elevated risk of genital high-risk-HPV infection.
Prevalence of HPV Infection in US Women
The prevalence of any HPV infection among US women aged 15-59 stands at 40.7%, with high-risk-HPV infection affecting 19.2%. This highlights the widespread nature of HPV infection and the importance of understanding contributing factors.
Healthy Eating Index Scores
The study also assessed the Healthy Eating Index scores of the participants, revealing generally low scores in categories like greens and beans and fruits. The average score for the greens-and-beans category was 2.02, while the score for whole fruits was 2.48 and for total fruits (whole fruits plus juice) was 2.41. These figures underscore the need for dietary improvements among US women.
Dietary Antioxidants and HPV Risk
Dietary antioxidants, abundant in dark-green vegetables (such as spinach, kale, and broccoli), beans (such as lima beans, peas, soybeans, and black beans), and fruits (such as oranges, grapes, blueberry, and mango), may play a protective role against HPV infection. The research team suggests that adequate intake of these nutrients is crucial for reducing the risk.
Read also: Comprehensive Diet Guide
Association with Other Health Behaviors
The research team also observed that women who ate healthily tended to practice other health behaviors. For example, women with a maximum score of 5 in total fruits had a lower chance of being current smokers, frequent alcohol drinkers, and illegal substances user in their lifetime.
Cervical Cancer and HPV Infection
Cervical cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death for women aged 20-39 in the United States. A significant portion of cervical cancers (99.7%) are directly linked to prior infection with oncogenic or high-risk HPVs. Given the prevalence of HPV infection in US women, estimated at approximately 80% having at least one type of HPV infection in their lifetime, understanding modifiable risk factors, such as diet, is paramount.
Implications and Recommendations
The findings of this study underscore the importance of a healthy diet rich in fruits, dark-green vegetables, and beans in potentially mitigating the risk of HPV infection and subsequent cervical cancer. Promoting healthy eating habits among women may serve as a valuable strategy for reducing the burden of HPV-related diseases.
Read also: Healthy Diet Memes: Because dieting doesn't have to be so serious.
Read also: Ultimate Diet Plans