High phosphorous intake associated with increased risk of lethal prostate cancer

For the study, researchers investigated the association between phosphorous and calcium and the risk of lethal and high-grade prostate cancer in the Health Professionals Follow-Up Study.

Researchers identified nearly 48,000 men who reported their diet in 1986 and every 4 years thereafter. During the 24-year follow-up, 5,861 participants developed prostate cancer, 789 of which were lethal cancers. Results showed phosphorous intake was linked with a greater risk for developing prostate cancer, including lethal and high-grade disease.

This association was independent of calcium and dairy, fish, red meat, and white meat intake. In addition, high calcium intake was associated with an elevated risk for developing advanced-stage and high-grade disease 12 to 16 years after exposure.

High phosphorous intake was linked with an increased risk for developing advanced-stage and high-grade prostate cancer 0 to 8 years after exposure. Foods high in phosphorous include: seeds, lentils, cheese, colas, shellfish, and yogurt.