Role of Diet in Leukoplakia and Oral Submucous Fibrosis

Background: Leukoplakia is considered as one of the commonly occurring potentially malignant disorder. The main etiological factor is smoking. Oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF) is cause of frequent use of arecanut. The present study was conducted to role of diet in leukoplakia and Oral submucous fibrosis. Materials & Methods: A total of 50 subjects with leukoplakia and/or oral submucous fibrosis were included in the study (Group-I). Equal number of healthy subjects was also enrolled as the control group (Group-II). Assessment of dietary component was performed using FFQ (Food Frequency Questionnaire. Results: Non-significant differences (p>0.05) were observed between the observed mean values in case and control group with respect to total energy (Kcal/day), total fat (g/day), fat (% energy), Fibre (g/day), Iron (mg/day), Sodium (mg/day), Copper (mg/day), Zinc (mg/day) and Calcium (mg/day). A protective role of tomatoes with Leukoplakia was observed (p<0.05) and not with OSMF. Conclusion: Intake of specific nutrients may have a role in the development of oral precancerous lesions.