The relationship between meat intake and breast cancer has been inconsistent.
From the literature it can be concluded that there is enough epidemiological evidence linking processed meat intake and colorectal cancer risk, but there is limited evidence regarding unprocessed red meat intake and the disease.
The authors cited a recent study of Kenyan children that found a positive association between meat intake and physical growth, cognitive function and school performance.
But moderating meat intake and supplementing with plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables – preferably organically grown produce, as better quality soil may retain more water – can help.
Sinha R, Cross AJ, Graubard BI, Leitzmann MF, Schatzkin A. Meat intake and mortality: a prospective study of over half a million people.
Bellavia A, Stilling F, Wolk A. High red meat intake and all-cause cardiovascular and cancer mortality: is the risk modified by fruit and vegetable intake?
To study the relationship between men's meat intake and clinical outcomes in couples undergoing infertility treatment with the use of assisted reproductive technology (ART).
Potential reasons for the association between high meat intake and colorectal cancer risk include some chemicals naturally contained in meat, or generated by the processing and cooking.
But even after adjusting for all of those factors, an elevated risk involving red meat intake and Type 2 diabetes remained.
In addition, the associations for non-Hodgkin lymphoma were similar within sub-groups of socioeconomic status, BMI, height, smoking, alcohol, exercise, fibre intake, red and processed meat intake, and fruit and vegetable intake.
Dr Gunter Kuhnle, an associate professor in nutrition and health at Reading University, said the analysis of the link between meat intake and bowel cancer was very thorough and confirmed previous findings about the risks.
