Undesirable changes in body composition – namely, loss of skeletal muscle and weight gained as fat – are common side effects of ADT. Such changes mean less strength, increased risk of falls, and poorer overall physical function. Importantly, some nutrition- and exercise-based interventions have been found to help minimize ADT-related changes in body composition. Although we generally know that good nutrition and physical activity can help patients on ADT stay fit, less is known about the benefits of specific nutrition-based interventions.
Researchers in Germany recently reviewed the literature on dietary interventions designed to improve body composition for men on ADT. They focused on 11 articles published between 2009 and 2020, which collectively involve 536 patients.
Somewhat surprisingly, when the researchers combined all the studies into a single meta-analysis, they did not find a significant effect of various dietary interventions on lean muscle mass, fat mass, or body mass index. This may be because of inconsistencies in the types of interventions and the research methodologies used in the individual studies. However, the authors conclude that “dietary interventions have the potential to mitigate the adverse changes in lean and fat mass experienced by men treated with ADT.”
The researchers had a few other important points to make:
1. We need more data on specific nutritional interventions designed to preserve muscle mass in men on ADT. In particular, the researchers suggest that future research should investigate whether protein supplements might be helpful.
2. Physical activity, with a particular emphasis on resistance training, is essential for the preservation of skeletal muscle and strength, maintenance of balance, and promotion of overall physical function. Thus, more research is needed that combines resistance exercise with specific nutrition-based interventions.
To read the full article, see: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41391-021-00411-7
Umlauff L, Weber M, Freitag N, et al. Dietary interventions to improve body composition in men treated with androgen deprivation therapy for prostate cancer: a solution for the growing problem? [published online ahead of print, 2021 Jun 30]. Prostate Cancer Prostatic Dis. 2021;10.1038/s41391-021-00411-7. doi:10.1038/s41391-021-00411-7