In a recent study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute, 930 patients diagnosed with recent colorectal adenomas (average age at baseline: 61 years; history of at least one such lesion excised within three months before study entry; no known polyps remaining) were assigned randomly to receive 1,200 mg/day of calcium carbonate or a placebo.
Nine hundred thirteen subjects completed at least one follow-up examination following randomization. Calcium supplementation at 1,200 mg daily appeared to reduce the risk of developing all three types of adenomas - hyperplastic polyps (risk ratio: 0.82 compared to placebo); tubular adenomas (0.89 compared to placebo); and histologically advanced neoplasms (0.65 compared to placebo).
The authors suggest that calcium supplementation may protect against the development of advanced colorectal lesions to a greater degree than other types of polyps considered as a single group. They also note that total calcium intake over 1,200 mg a day may be necessary, and that dietary fiber and dietary fat may also play a role.
Source
- Wallace K, Baron JA, Cole BF, et al. Effect of calcium supplementation on the risk of large bowel polyps. Journal of the National Cancer Institute, June 16, 2004;96(12):921-5.
Dynamic Chiropractic editorial staff members research, investigate and write articles for the publication on an ongoing basis. To contact the Editorial Department or submit an article of your own for consideration, email
.