Protective effect of macro and micro nutrients on male lung cancer. A case–control study in Rosario, Argentina

Summary Background & aims Lung cancer is the worldwide leading cause of death due to cancer, with a high mortality rate in Rosario for males (65 per 100.00). Currently, it is regarded as a complex phenomenon with multiple variables involved, i.e., food intake. The objective of this study was to analyze the association between lung cancer and macro and micro nutrients found in foods. Methods A case–control study was carried out collecting data on smoking status, occupation, and diet. Diet was measured by recording type, quantity and frequency of all ingested foods. Results Controls ingested larger quantities of vitamin A, C and E, polyunsaturated fatty acids, calcium, magnesium and manganese than cases, consequently these nutrients may be considered as protective. Conclusions While smoking is the most important risk factor for lung cancer, aggravated by occupational contaminants, evidence suggested that the intake of such nutrients may decrease the harmful effects of smoking.