Calcium and Colorectal Cancer
2/21/2005
The importance of calcium for bone health is well known. Scientists have also found that calcium may be important in colon health. Recently scientists reviewed the dietary records of 44,572 men and women who had a screening examination (sigmoidoscopic) for colon cancer. Pre-cancerous polyps were found in 3,696 people.
Food-frequency questionnaires were evaluated for supplemental calcium intake from food and supplements, dolomite, Tums, multi vitamins, etc.
Dietary calcium was found to reduce the risk of pre-cancerous polyps. People with the highest dietary intake from supplements and food had a 30% lower occurrence of pre-cancerous polyps than people with the lowest intake. According to the American Cancer Society, 5.6% of Americans will develop colon cancer.
Am. J. Clin. Nutr. 2004;80:1358-65