Calcium intake and colon cancer:
In a meta-analysis by Carroll C. et al, 3 trials showed a reduction of recurrence of colon adenomas for subjects who took 1200 – 2000 mg per day of a calcium supplement, but no decrease in risk for those with advanced adenomas. Also as part of the meta-analysis, 2 trials were found to have no benefit of calcium in those without increased risk of colorectal cancer. (11)
Shaukat A et al reviewed 3 randomized controlled trials (1,485 patients) and found that calcium supplementation was associated with a significant 20% reduction in the risk of recurrence of colorectal adenomas compared with placebo. (12)
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 as opposed to a median of 1036 mg per day had less colorectal neoplasia. (30)