Dietary Fibers as a Preventive Strategy against Gastric Cancer

1: The link between dietary fiber intake and gastric cancer has garnered significant attention within the scientific community. This review article explores the factors contributing to the development of gastric cancer, the mechanisms involved, and the potential protective role of dietary fiber. Various researchers have investigated the correlation between dietary fiber intake and gastric cancer, with some reporting a dose-dependent protective effect. In contrast, others have observed inconsistent results due to study heterogeneity. This comprehensive review elucidates contributing factors, including Helicobacter pylori infection, Proton Pump Inhibitor (PPI) use, high salt intake, and nitrate consumption, as well as lifestyle factors such as smoking, poor diet, excessive alcohol consumption, lack of physical activity, and age. The article further discusses how dietary fiber may mitigate gastric cancer risk. These mechanisms include the inhibition of H+/K+ ATPase in parietal cells by Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs), which reduces gastric acid secretion; a decrease in fecal mutagens, thereby lowering the carcinogenic potential in the gut; the inhibition of N-nitroso compounds, which are known carcinogens; a reduction in intestinal pH, preventing the conversion of primary bile acids into secondary bile acids; and diminished interaction between carcinogenic substances and the intestinal epithelium. Additionally, the review provides insights into dietary fiber sources and the concentration required for potential cancer prevention. The study concludes that dietary fiber intake is inversely associated with the risk of gastric cancer, but it emphasizes the need for further research focusing on the optimal dosage and efficacy of dietary fiber for cancer prevention.