- There are especially strong genetic links seen between family members with colorectal cancer (30), and therefore enhanced efforts of prevention may be warranted in those with family history.
- Calcium and colon cancer:
- Preventive Health advisor supports adequate, but not excessive intakes of calcium from food sources rather than supplements since high calcium intakes from supplements, and sometimes food, were associated with a higher risk of coronary artery disease and a higher risk of prostate cancer in men (32-34). See calcium section for further information.
- Shaukat, A et al found that calcium supplementation was associated with a significant 20% reduction in the risk of recurrence of colorectal adenomas compared with placebo (1).
- Carroll, C. et al, described 3 trials showing a reduction of recurrence of colon adenomas at a calcium dose of 1200–2000 mg per day, but no decrease in risk for those with advanced adenomas was seen, and the same author also mentioned 2 trials which showed that no benefit of calcium was seen in those without increased risk of colorectal cancer (2).
- Palacios C et al found that subjects with a median of 1180 mg per day of calcium whether from dietary calcium intake or calcium from supplements was higher than patients with colorectal neoplasia who had a median calcium intake of 1036 mg per day (29).
- Therefore, calcium intakes higher than about 1180 mg per day whether from dietary calcium intake or calcium from supplements may reduce the risk of colorectal neoplasia and the recurrence of colorectal adenomas (1,2,29).
- Ensure good nutritional status with calcium and vitamin D. Lappe JM et al concluded that improvement of nutritional status with calcium and vitamin D significantly lowered cancer risk in post-menopausal women. (31)
- Obtain the recommended calcium intake from food sources and adequate vitamin D intake from foods, supplements or sun exposure. To see concentrations of calcium in foods, please see:: http://www.iom.edu/Reports/2010/Dietary-Reference-Intakes-for-Calcium-and-Vitamin-D/DRI-Values.aspx
To research calcium contained in foods click here: https://www.ars.usda.gov/SP2UserFiles/Place/12354500/Data/SR25/nutrlist/sr25w301.pdf