Researchers in China studied 672 people to understand how diet affects stomach cancer risk. They found that people who ate foods that cause more inflammation in the body had a higher chance of developing stomach cancer. On the flip side, people who got enough vitamin C and vitamin D from their food had lower risk. The study suggests that eating anti-inflammatory foods—like fruits, vegetables, and foods rich in these vitamins—might help protect your stomach health. However, this is one study, so more research is needed before making major diet changes.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: Whether eating foods that cause inflammation in your body increases the risk of getting stomach cancer
  • Who participated: 336 people with newly diagnosed stomach cancer and 336 healthy people of similar age and gender from Fujian Province, China. Average age was around 54-57 years old, with slightly more men than women.
  • Key finding: People with higher inflammatory diet scores were 45% more likely to have stomach cancer. People who ate more vitamin C and vitamin D had about 30% lower risk.
  • What it means for you: Eating more fruits, vegetables, and foods rich in vitamins C and D may help reduce stomach cancer risk. However, this study shows association, not proof of cause-and-effect, so it shouldn’t replace medical advice from your doctor.

The Research Details

This was a case-control study, which is like comparing two groups of people: those who have a disease and those who don’t. Researchers recruited 336 people who had just been diagnosed with stomach cancer from a hospital and matched them with 336 healthy people from the community who were similar in age and gender. Everyone answered detailed questions about what they ate using a food frequency questionnaire—basically a checklist of foods asking how often they ate each one. The researchers then calculated an ‘inflammatory score’ based on what people reported eating, which measures whether someone’s overall diet tends to cause more or less inflammation in the body.

Case-control studies are useful for studying diseases like cancer because researchers can quickly compare people who have the disease with similar people who don’t. This design helps identify dietary patterns that might be connected to cancer risk. By matching people on age and gender, the researchers reduced the chance that these factors would confuse the results.

The study had a reasonable sample size (672 people) and used statistical methods to account for other factors that might affect cancer risk. However, because people reported their diet from memory, there’s always some chance of error. The study was conducted in one region of China, so results might not apply equally to all populations. The researchers also couldn’t prove that diet caused the cancer—only that certain eating patterns were associated with higher risk.

What the Results Show

The main finding was that people with higher inflammatory diet scores had a 45% increased risk of stomach cancer compared to those with lower scores. When researchers looked at each point increase in the inflammatory score, they found that each standard increase was linked to a 26% higher risk. This suggests that the more inflammatory someone’s diet, the greater their risk appears to be. The study also found that vitamin C and vitamin D were protective: people who got more vitamin C had about 31% lower risk, and those with more vitamin D had about 33% lower risk. These vitamins are found in foods like citrus fruits, berries, leafy greens, fatty fish, and egg yolks.

When researchers looked at specific groups of people, they found that younger people (age 55 and under) seemed especially sensitive to inflammatory diets—their risk was more than double with higher inflammatory scores. People who were married, non-smokers, and those experiencing high daily stress also showed stronger connections between inflammatory diets and cancer risk. This suggests that stress and other life factors might make people more vulnerable to the effects of inflammatory eating patterns.

This research aligns with previous studies suggesting that inflammation plays a role in cancer development. The protective effects of vitamins C and D match what other research has shown about these nutrients supporting immune function and reducing inflammation. However, most previous studies on stomach cancer and diet have focused on Western populations, so this Chinese-specific research adds valuable information about how diet affects people in different regions.

The study relied on people remembering what they ate, which can be inaccurate. The research was done in one province of China, so results might not apply to other regions or ethnic groups. Because it’s a case-control study, researchers can’t prove that inflammatory diets cause cancer—only that they’re associated with it. People with cancer might also remember or report their diet differently than healthy people. The study couldn’t account for all possible factors that might affect cancer risk, like family history or certain infections.

The Bottom Line

Based on this research (moderate confidence level), consider eating more foods rich in vitamin C (citrus fruits, berries, peppers, broccoli) and vitamin D (fatty fish, egg yolks, fortified milk, mushrooms exposed to sunlight). Reduce foods that promote inflammation, like highly processed foods, sugary drinks, and excessive red meat. These dietary changes support overall health regardless of cancer risk. However, this single study isn’t definitive proof, so discuss any major diet changes with your doctor, especially if you have a family history of stomach cancer.

This research is most relevant to people living in East Asia or with East Asian ancestry, as the study was conducted in China. It’s particularly important for younger adults (under 55), people experiencing high stress, and those with family history of stomach cancer. Everyone can benefit from eating anti-inflammatory foods, but people with existing stomach problems or those taking vitamin supplements should consult their doctor before making changes.

The protective effects of better nutrition typically develop over months to years, not days or weeks. You wouldn’t expect to see dramatic changes immediately, but consistent healthy eating habits support long-term disease prevention.

Want to Apply This Research?

  • Track daily servings of vitamin C-rich foods (target: 2-3 servings) and vitamin D sources (target: 1-2 servings) using the app’s food logging feature. Also monitor your ‘inflammatory food score’ by logging processed foods, sugary items, and red meat consumption to see trends over time.
  • Set a daily reminder to eat one vitamin C-rich food (like an orange or bell pepper) and one vitamin D source (like salmon or fortified yogurt). Use the app to create a simple meal plan that emphasizes whole foods and limits processed items. Start with one meal per day and gradually expand.
  • Weekly review of your inflammatory food score and vitamin intake through the app’s dashboard. Set monthly goals to gradually increase anti-inflammatory foods while decreasing processed foods. Track any digestive changes or energy levels to see if dietary improvements correlate with how you feel.

This research shows an association between diet and stomach cancer risk but does not prove that diet causes cancer. This information is educational and should not replace professional medical advice. If you have concerns about stomach cancer risk, family history of cancer, or existing digestive problems, consult with your healthcare provider before making significant dietary changes. This study was conducted in China and may not apply equally to all populations. Always discuss supplement use or major diet modifications with your doctor, especially if you take medications or have existing health conditions.