Scientists used genetic data from hundreds of thousands of people to understand how food choices might affect the growth of polyps—small growths that can form in different parts of your body. They discovered that certain foods like bread and coffee, along with the tiny bacteria living in your gut, may influence whether polyps develop. The study found that eating more seafood like lobster and crab might increase nasal polyps, while eating bread could protect against colon polyps. These findings suggest that what we eat doesn’t just affect us directly—it also changes the bacteria in our digestive system, which then affects polyp growth.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: Whether specific foods and nutrients we eat can cause or prevent polyps (small growths in the body) by changing the bacteria in our gut
  • Who participated: The study used genetic information from hundreds of thousands of people in the UK Biobank and data about polyps from Finnish health records. No individual participants were directly involved—researchers analyzed existing genetic data.
  • Key finding: The study found four different ways that food choices affect polyp risk through gut bacteria: eating more bread protects against colon polyps, eating bacon may increase stomach polyps, eating lobster/crab may increase nasal polyps, and drinking coffee may increase polyps in the female reproductive tract
  • What it means for you: Your food choices may help prevent certain polyps by changing your gut bacteria, but this research is still early. You shouldn’t make major diet changes based on this alone—talk to your doctor about polyp prevention strategies that are right for you.

The Research Details

This study used a special research method called Mendelian randomization, which is like a detective tool for genetics. Instead of asking people what they eat and watching if they develop polyps (which takes years and is hard to control), scientists looked at genes that naturally make people prefer certain foods or absorb certain nutrients differently. They then checked if those same genes were connected to polyp development. This approach helps prove that food actually causes polyp changes, rather than just being associated with them.

The researchers gathered genetic information about 7 types of antioxidants (protective compounds in food) and 15 different eating patterns from the UK Biobank, which is a huge database of genetic information. They also collected information about four types of polyps from Finnish health records. Then they used advanced statistical methods to trace the path: Does this food → change gut bacteria → cause polyps?

This research method is important because it gets closer to proving cause-and-effect than regular studies. Regular studies can only show that people who eat certain foods have more or fewer polyps, but can’t prove the food caused it. By using genetics, scientists can be more confident that the food itself is making the difference, not other lifestyle factors people might not have mentioned.

This study has some strengths: it used very large genetic databases with hundreds of thousands of people, it checked its results multiple ways to make sure they were real, and it looked for hidden factors that might have skewed the results. However, the study is based on genetic predictions of eating habits rather than actual food diaries, so it’s measuring tendencies rather than real eating. Also, the connection between gut bacteria and polyps is still being understood, so some of the proposed pathways need more research to confirm.

What the Results Show

The study identified four main pathways where food affects polyp risk through gut bacteria changes. First, eating more bread appeared to protect against colon polyps by increasing a helpful bacteria called Flavonifractor. Second, eating more lobster and crab seemed to increase nasal polyp risk by reducing a bacteria called Holdemania. Third, eating bacon appeared to increase stomach polyp risk by reducing a protective bacteria called Alcaligenaceae. Fourth, drinking more coffee seemed to increase polyps in the female reproductive tract by increasing a bacteria called Victivallaceae.

These findings suggest that the bacteria living in your digestive system act like a middleman between what you eat and whether polyps develop. When certain foods change which bacteria thrive in your gut, those bacteria changes then influence polyp growth. The study found that different foods affect different types of polyps in different ways, which explains why one food might be protective in one area but risky in another.

The research also identified several other dietary factors and antioxidants that showed connections to polyp risk, though the specific pathways through gut bacteria weren’t as clear. The study emphasized that diet-derived antioxidants (protective compounds naturally found in foods) play an important role in this process, suggesting that the nutritional quality of food matters, not just the food itself.

Previous research has shown that diet affects disease risk, but most studies couldn’t prove that food directly caused polyps. This study builds on that knowledge by using genetic methods to suggest actual cause-and-effect relationships. It also adds new information about how gut bacteria act as the connection between what we eat and polyp development, which is an area that needed more research.

This study has several important limitations. First, it predicts eating habits based on genes rather than measuring what people actually eat, so the results show tendencies rather than real behavior. Second, the study is based on people of European ancestry, so results might not apply to other populations. Third, while the study suggests gut bacteria are involved, it doesn’t prove this connection with direct evidence—it’s based on statistical patterns. Finally, the study can’t account for all the other factors that affect polyp development, like age, smoking, or exercise habits.

The Bottom Line

Based on this research (moderate confidence level): Consider eating more whole grain bread and maintaining a balanced diet rich in antioxidants, as these may help prevent colon polyps. Limit bacon consumption, as it may increase stomach polyp risk. Be mindful of coffee intake if you have concerns about reproductive tract polyps. However, these recommendations should complement, not replace, your doctor’s advice about polyp prevention.

This research is most relevant for people concerned about polyp prevention, those with a family history of polyps, and people over 50 (when polyp screening typically begins). It’s less directly applicable to people without polyp risk factors. Anyone with existing polyps or a history of polyp removal should discuss these findings with their doctor rather than making diet changes on their own.

Changes in gut bacteria can happen within days to weeks of dietary changes, but the effect on polyp development would take much longer to see—likely months to years. This isn’t a quick fix; think of it as a long-term prevention strategy rather than something that will show immediate results.

Want to Apply This Research?

  • Track weekly servings of bread, seafood, bacon, and coffee intake alongside any digestive symptoms or health markers. Create a simple log: record the food, amount, and date, then note any changes in digestive health or energy levels over 8-12 weeks.
  • Set a specific goal like ’eat whole grain bread 3+ times per week’ or ’limit bacon to once per week’ rather than making vague diet promises. Use the app to set reminders for these foods and track consistency. Include a note about why you’re making the change (polyp prevention) to stay motivated.
  • Use the app to create a 12-week food and health log, tracking the four main foods mentioned (bread, seafood, bacon, coffee) along with general digestive health and energy levels. Review monthly to see if dietary patterns correlate with how you feel. Share results with your doctor at your next checkup to discuss whether these changes are right for you personally.

This research suggests possible connections between diet and polyp development but does not prove that changing your diet will prevent polyps. Polyp development is complex and involves many factors beyond diet. Do not make significant dietary changes based solely on this study. If you have concerns about polyps, a family history of polyps, or are due for screening, consult your healthcare provider for personalized advice. This information is educational and should not replace professional medical guidance.