New Research Highlights Benefits of Plant-Based Diet for Myeloma Patients

A recent clinical trial has indicated that a diet rich in fiber from plant sources may offer significant advantages for individuals at risk of developing multiple myeloma, the second most prevalent blood cancer. This study found that participants not only embraced the dietary changes but also experienced improvements that could potentially slow down the progression of precancerous conditions leading to myeloma.

Multiple myeloma often arises from earlier, non-cancerous stages involving abnormal plasma cells, a subset of white blood cells produced in the bone marrow. Factors such as high body weight, poor dietary habits, and imbalanced gut microbiota have been associated with an increased likelihood of developing these precursor conditions and progressing to multiple myeloma.

As healthcare professionals increasingly recognize the importance of modifiable risk factors--such as diet and lifestyle--researchers are now focusing on how these elements can influence cancer progression. The findings from this study underscore the significance of enhancing dietary quality in the early stages of the disease, potentially guiding future clinical trials.

The results were presented at NUTRITION 2025, the annual meeting of the American Society for Nutrition, where the research was discussed in detail.

Current studies examining patients at risk for myeloma typically center around identifying genomic and immune factors that contribute to disease progression, as well as therapeutic options for those with precursor conditions. However, the recent findings suggest that dietary interventions may empower patients to alter their disease risk and enhance treatment success.

The pilot study, part of the NUTRIVENTION Trials, involved 20 participants identified as being at increased risk of developing multiple myeloma due to precursor conditions and elevated body mass index. Over a span of 12 weeks, patients consumed meals high in fiber from plant sources, received 24 weeks of tailored nutritional counseling, and were monitored for a full year.

Participants were advised to focus on consuming whole plant-based foods--including fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, whole grains, and legumes--while avoiding refined grains, animal products, added sugars, and highly processed items. The results showed that adherence to this high-fiber, plant-based diet was both feasible and positively received, resulting in notable dietary compliance and weight reduction.

Initially, only 20% of total caloric intake among participants came from high-fiber, plant-based foods. By the conclusion of the 12-week intervention, that proportion had escalated to 91%. Additionally, the median body mass index of participants decreased by 7% after 12 weeks, with this weight loss being maintained over the following year. Two participants even experienced a deceleration in disease progression, while the condition remained stable for others.

Improvements were also observed in dietary quality, quality of life, metabolic indicators such as insulin resistance and lipid levels, inflammation markers, and the diversity and composition of the gut microbiome. These positive changes persisted beyond the 12-week intervention period, continuing through the annual follow-up.

The study featured a diverse participant demographic and conducted a thorough evaluation of dietary habits and biomarkers. The comprehensive analysis indicated that a high-fiber, plant-based diet could potentially mitigate the risk of cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and other metabolic disorders.

Currently, most Americans do not meet the recommended daily fiber intake of approximately 28 grams, as outlined in the US Dietary Guidelines. To help increase fiber consumption, researchers suggest setting achievable daily targets and concentrating on enhancing one meal at a time.

Simple strategies can include adding a piece of fruit to meals or substituting refined grains with whole grains. Increasing fiber intake has the potential to lower the risk of numerous health issues and improve overall well-being, extending beyond cancer risk reduction.

The research team is actively recruiting participants for subsequent NUTRIVENTION Trials aimed at assessing the effects of a high-fiber, plant-based diet in larger cohorts. They also intend to explore the impact of dietary changes versus supplements on the gut microbiome and investigate the potential benefits of a fiber-rich diet on other precursor conditions associated with blood cancers.