Are dietary plant cell wall polysaccharides key components to prevent/avert breast cancer?

Background Plant cell wall’s polysaccharides constitute a fundamental source of energy, influencing voluntary intake and digestibility of food, and also affecting peristalsis and health of the digestive tract in animals and people. Because herbivores are less prone to cancer than meat eaters, over the last decades, different teams have investigated the role of plant polysaccharides in immune system activation. Aim In this work, we examine this research seeking to understand if dietary carbohydrates from plant cell walls can be justifiably considered effective components for preventing breast cancer, specifically as it's the most common type of cancer for women. Methods We evaluate results from in vitro and in vivo experiments, observational studies (prospective cohort studies) conducted on people (nonvegetarian and vegetarian), and research studies on animals (monogastric herbivores and ruminants). Summary Specific studies evaluating fiber intake and quality over long periods are scarce, inconclusive, or show mixed results regarding the plant cell polysaccharides present in the diet (structural and storage polysaccharides). We conclude that at the moment, there is not enough causal evidence to justify a recommendation that plant cell walls can be justifiably considered effective components for preventing breast cancer. Proposed steps to follow: a people prospective cohort study with special emphasis on retrieving information about fiber intake and composition of the ingested fiber to better elucidate a causal link in the prevention of breast cancer. Furthermore, a long-life, systematic study on mammalian herbivorous animals for addressing the link specifically between plant cell wall polysaccharides and breast cancer incidence.