Nutrient Patterns and Risk of Breast Cancer among Iranian Women: a Case- Control Study

Abstract

Objective: To explore the role of nutrient patterns in the etiology of breast cancer (BCa) among Iranian women.<br />Methods: The study included 134 newly diagnosed cases of BCa and 267 hospitalized controls. A validated<br />semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) was used to assess dietary intake. Nutrient patterns were obtained<br />using principal component analysis using Varimax rotation and logistic regression was performed to estimate breast<br />cancer risk. Results: We identified 4 major nutrient patterns. First was high in consumption of vitamins B1, B2, B3, B5,<br />B6, B9, C, magnesium, iron, carbohydrate, fiber, selenium, zinc, protein, potassium, and calcium. The second nutrient<br />pattern included Vitamins B12, A and cholesterol, while the third featured vitamin D, EPA and DHA. The fourth was<br />characterized by vitamin E, MUFA and saturated fatty acids. After adjusting for age, patterns 1 and 3 were associated<br />with a lower risk of BCa (OR=0.51, 95% CI: 0.33- 0.80, P=0.003, OR=0.64, 95% CI: 0.42- 0.98, P= 0.04 respectively).<br />However, after further adjustment for all confounders in multivariate analysis, the association remained significant only<br />for pattern 1 (OR=0.52, 95% CI: 0.32- 0.82, P=0.006). Conclusion: Adherence to a nutrient pattern rich in vitamin B,<br />minerals and fiber is associated with a lower risk of breast cancer.