Higher Lignan Intake Reduces Breast Cancer Risk

MUNICH, GermanyHigher plasma levels of lignans are inversely associated with development of premenopausal breast cancer, according to data from a population-based case-control study (Eur J Cancer Prev, 15, 3:225-32, 2006). Researchers from the Technical University of Munich measured enterolactone (mammalian lignan) and genistein (isoflavone) concentrations in plasma samples from 220 premenopausal breast cancer cases and 237 age-matched controls.Women in the highest quartiles of plasma enterolactone had approximately a 60-percent reduction in risk; there was no association seen between plasma genistein concentration and cancer risk.

Suppliers of lignans welcomed the study results. Human physiology appears to benefit from the properties of ingested lignans and in particular the human lignan metabolite enterolactone, said Robin Ward, vice president of marketing at Linnea Inc., supplier of HMR Lignan, a Norway sprucesourced lignan. Including this new research, seven studies have now reported an association between lignan and breast health. Through multiple mechanisms of action, lignans appear to have a positive influence on the estrogen balance in the body.

Jocelyn Mathern, technical specialist for Acatris, supplier of LinumLife® flax lignan extract, said: Flax lignans may have balancing effects on hormones because they are phytoestrogens, plant compounds with a structure similar to estrogen. This allows flax lignans to compete with estrogen for binding sites, and work against estrogens in the body that promote the growth of certain cancerssuch as breast cancer.