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Calcium and the colon: recent findings
1Clinical Nutrition Unit, Loyola University Medical Center, Maywood, IL 60153, USA.
Nutrition Reviews
|May 6, 1999
Summary
Calcium from low-fat dairy may slow colon cell growth and reduce polyp risk. Longer studies are needed to confirm these promising findings on calcium and colon health.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Nutritional Science
- Oncology
Background:
- Emerging evidence suggests a role for dietary calcium in colon health.
- Previous studies indicate potential links between calcium intake and colon cell behavior.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current intervention trial results on calcium's effects on colon cell proliferation.
- To assess the impact of calcium supplementation on colonic adenomatous polyps.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of recent intervention trials.
- Evaluation of data on human colon cell proliferation rates.
- Review of studies on calcium supplementation and polyp incidence.
Main Results:
- Intervention trials suggest calcium from low-fat dairy modulates human colon cell proliferation.
- Calcium supplementation appears to reduce the rate of colonic adenomatous polyps.
Conclusions:
- Current findings suggest a beneficial role for calcium in colon health.
- Further long-term research is warranted to validate these preliminary results.