Calcium Intake Reduces Colon Cancer Risk

Calcium Intake Reduces Colon Cancer Risk

People who consume a diet high in calcium may be protected against cancer of the lower colon, Harvard researchers found in a recent study.

The study authors asked 87,998 women in the Nurses' Health Study (NHS) and 47,344 men in the Health Professionals Follow-up Study to fill out a food frequency questionnaire at baseline and to provide information on medical history and lifestyle factors. Each subject also underwent an examination of the colon.

During the follow-up (16 years for the women, 10 years for the men), 626 women and 399 men developed colon cancer. In both women and men, the more calcium the subjects consumed (up to 700 mg/day), the less chance they would develop cancer of the distal (lower) colon. Calcium consumption from 700 - 800 mg/day resulted in a 40 to 50 percent lower risk of developing cancer of the lower colon.

'Higher calcium intake is associated with a reduced risk of distal colon cancer,' the researchers concluded. 'The observed risk pattern was consistent with a threshold effect, suggesting that calcium intake beyond moderate levels may not be associated with a further risk reduction.'

Reference:

Wu K, Willett WC, Fuchs CS, Colditz GA, Giovannucci EL. Calcium intake and risk of colon cancer in women and men. J Natl Cancer Inst. 2002 Mar 20;94(6):437-46.

The information in this article is not intended to provide personal medical advice, which should be obtained from a medical professional, and has not been approved by the U.S. FDA.

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