The study included 20 participants with a high body mass index (BMI) who were at risk of developing a precancerous blood disorder and multiple myeloma. Participants were given 12 weeks of high-fiber plant-based meals and 24 weeks of coaching. Two participants with progressive disease before the study showed a significant improvement in their disease progression trajectories. Additionally, one year after enrollment, none of the participants had progressed to multiple myeloma.
MSK myeloma specialist and NUTRIVENTION study leader Dr. Urvi Shah presented these findings at the 2024 American Society of Hematology (ASH) annual meeting in San Diego, California.
Dr. “This study showcases the power of nutrition, particularly a high-fiber plant-based diet, and unlocks a better understanding of how this can lead to improvements in the microbiome and metabolism to create a stronger immune system. These findings are important as physicians, especially those with pre-cancerous conditions,” Shah said. “It further supports how we can empower patients by providing them with information about reducing their cancer risk through dietary changes.” he said.
MALNUTRITION INCREASES THE RISK
Multiple myeloma is the second most common blood cancer. Recent studies have shown an increased risk of multiple myeloma in individuals with a poor-quality diet and reduced intake of plant foods.
BEWARE OF HIGH BODY MASS INDEX
Additionally, individuals with these conditions and a high body mass index (BMI) are twice as likely to progress to multiple myeloma disease than individuals with these conditions and a normal BMI. With this information, researchers are looking for ways to intervene in these disorders before they turn into cancer.
THEY CONSUMED THESE FOODS
During the study, participants were encouraged to eat as much of whole plant-based foods as they wanted, such as fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, whole grains and legumes. With these dietary changes, there were significant improvements in quality of life, insulin resistance, gut microbiome health, and inflammation. On average, participants lost eight percent of their body weight after 12 weeks.
These findings were confirmed in a myeloma mouse model, where 44% of mice fed the high-fiber diet did not progress to myeloma disease, whereas all mice fed the standard diet progressed to myeloma disease.