How Fruits And Vegetables Help Prevent Colorectal Cancer

A new study has found that one particular component in fruits and vegetables—flavonoids—can help prevent colorectal cancer. Researchers from South Dakota State University revealed a mechanism by which a metabolite of flavonoid digestion may inhibit cancer cell growth under specific conditions. While scientists have known for 20 years that they can help prevent colorectal cancer this study, published in the journal Cancer, sheds light on the underlying mechanism.

Accidental discovery

For their study, initially, researchers were exploring how aspirin reduces colorectal cancer risk when they observed that a derivative of salicylic acid, known as 2,4,6-trihydroxybenzoic acid (2,4,6-THBA), slowed cancer cell growth. Further investigation identified 2,4,6-THBA as a product of flavonoid digestion.

Flavonoids, compounds found in various fruits and vegetables, are broken down in the gut by bacteria into metabolites like 2,4,6-THBA. According to senior study author Jayarama Gunaje, PhD, the anticancer benefits of flavonoids may stem from these metabolites rather than the parent compounds.

Testing Flavonoid Metabolites on Colon Cancer Cells

This study is the first to examine how 2,4,6-THBA helps prevent colorectal cancer, a disease responsible for significant mortality in the US. According to 2016 statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, colorectal cancer is the fourth most common cancer and the fourth leading cause of cancer deaths in the country. Researchers discovered that 2,4,6-THBA binds to enzymes critical for cell division. However, the metabolite alone did not affect colon cancer cells.

The findings suggest a potential role for gut bacteria in preventing colorectal cancer. Researchers are now investigating which gut microbes produce beneficial flavonoid metabolites. They envision developing probiotics that enhance the production of 2,4,6-THBA and similar compounds, offering a novel preventive strategy for colorectal cancer.

What Do We Know About Colorectal Cancer?

Colorectal cancer often begins as a growth called a polyp inside the colon or rectum. Finding and removing polyps can prevent colorectal cancer. While colorectal cancer often has no symptoms in the early stages., regular screenings are important to catch the disease early and begin treatment, as per the World Health Organization (WHO).

Some symptoms of colorectal cancer are:

Changes in bowel habits such as diarrhoea, constipation, or narrowing of the stool

Blood in the stool (rectal bleeding), either bright red or dark and tar-like

Abdominal cramps, pain or bloating that won’t go away

Unexplained weight loss that is sudden and losing weight without trying

Feeling constantly tired and lacking energy, even with enough rest

Iron deficiency anaemia due to chronic bleeding causes fatigue, weakness and paleness.

Lifestyle changes to help prevent colorectal cancer. Eating a healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables and avoiding smoking tobacco can help prevent this cancer. Limiting alcohol and keeping a healthy lifestyle can also aid in avoiding this type of terminal illness.

People who suspect they may have colorectal cancer should speak to their healthcare provider right away. Regular screening for colorectal cancer (secondary prevention) is the best way to catch the disease early. Studies have shown that screening can reduce both the incidence and mortality of colorectal cancer through early detection and removal of precancerous growths.