Abstract
Introduction: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common carcinoma around the world, and oxidative stress may play a role in the occurrence of colorectal cancer. Accordingly, the purpose of the present study was to investigate the association between oxidative balance score (OBS) and the risk of CRC occurrence.
Materials and Methods: In this systematic review and meta-analysis article, databases Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane, Embase, and Google Scholar Search Engine were conducted for articles published until November 1, 2025. Data was analyzed using STATA 14.
Results: A total of 9 observational studies were examined, and the results revealed that high OBS levels reduced the risk of CRC and colorectal adenoma by 17% and 34%, respectively. Furthermore, high OBS levels in the US (29%), UK (24%), China (6%), case-control studies (9%), and cohort studies (25%) reduced the risk of CRC. Additionally, increased OBS levels in men (32%) and women (22%) reduced the risk of CRC, and high dietary oxidative balance scores (DOBS) and lifestyle oxidative balance scores (LOBS) levels decreased the risk of CRC by up to 23% and 24%, respectively.
Conclusion: High OBS levels significantly lowered the risk of CRC occurrence, and high OBS levels in men were more likely to prevent CRC compared with women. Additionally, the difference between the effect of DOBS and LOBS on reducing the risk of CRC was insignificant.
Registration: This study has been compiled based on the PRISMA checklist, and its protocol was registered on the PROSPERO (ID: CRD420251230751) and Research Registry (UIN: reviewregistry2061) websites.