Higher Calcium Intake Linked to Reduced Colorectal Cancer Risk

This research was carried out by scientists from the United States National Cancer Institute (NCI), who analyzed data from the NIH-AARP Diet and Health Study. The NCI scientists followed 471,396 participants aged 50 to 71 years over more than 7 million person-years. They found that people with the highest calcium intake (around 2,000 mg per day) had a significantly lower risk of colorectal cancer compared to those with the lowest intake (around 400 mg per day). The findings suggest a consistent protective effect of calcium against this form of cancer.

Previous studies have demonstrated that higher circulating vitamin D concentrations are also associated with lower colorectal cancer risk. Conversely, building on a long-standing observation linking vitamin D deficiency to an increased risk of colorectal cancer, researchers from the University of California San Diego have shown that countries where people experience lower levels of UVB light often report higher rates of the disease. Vitamin D is produced naturally in the body when UVB from sunlight reaches the skin. Low exposure to UVB can thus result in insufficient levels of vitamin D, potentially increasing the risk of colorectal cancer.

To check out Dr. Rath’s Cellular Health Recommendations for Cancer, see this page on our website.