Sugar-sweetened orange beverages: A silent risk factor for colorectal cancer?

BackgroundEriodictyol is a flavonoid primarily found in citrus fruits for dietary consumption. Laboratory studies have shown that it has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which help prevent colorectal cancer (CRC). However, consuming eriodictyol through citrus drinks and added sugars may increase the risk of CRC. These beverages can raise blood sugar levels and disrupt the gut microbiome, potentially increasing the risk of CRC.AimThis study aims to evaluate the relationship between dietary intake of eriodictyol flavonoid, commonly consumed through citrus drinks or sugar-sweetened orange beverages, and the increased risk of CRC, as well as its connection with diabetic patients.MethodsData from 53,914 participants in the Prostate, Lung, Colorectal, and Ovarian Cancer Screening Trial were analyzed using Dietary Questionnaire (DQX) and Dietary History Questionnaire (DHQ). LASSO regression identified significant associations, while restricted cubic spline analysis examined nonlinear relationships between eriodictyol intake and CRC risk.ResultsDiabetes was confirmed as a significant risk factor for CRC in both the DHQ and DQX cohorts. Additionally, higher eriodictyol intake was associated with increased CRC risk in the DQX group, suggesting a possible link between diabetes, elevated eriodictyol consumption, and CRC development. The primary source of dietary eriodictyol in the USA is sugar-sweetened beverages.ConclusionsThe findings show that hyperglycemic patients have a notably higher risk of CRC, and this increased risk remains even with dietary intake of eriodictyol, a flavonoid commonly found in citrus fruits and increasingly consumed through citrus beverages in industrialized countries.