LMU 58 – Harnessing Calcium Intake to Shield Against Colorectal Cancer: A Comprehensive Approach
Source: International Journal of Cancer (2014)
Lifestyle Medicine Update (July 14, 2017)
Introduction:
Colorectal cancer emerges as a formidable adversary, ranking second in cancer-related mortality when considering all genders. However, a ray of hope gleams from studies highlighted in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute. These studies suggest that through prudent dietary and lifestyle practices, a remarkable 70-90% of colon cancer cases can be averted. Among the myriad factors intertwining with colon cancer prevention, optimal calcium intake shines as a beacon. Over the past three decades, scientific exploration has cast calcium in the role of a potential guardian against colorectal cancer. Supported by animal studies and epidemiological investigations, a noteworthy correlation between higher calcium intake and diminished colorectal cancer incidence emerges as a pivotal revelation.
The Calcium-Colorectal Cancer Nexus: An In-Depth Analysis
The potency of calcium in mitigating colorectal cancer risk receives further validation through a compelling 2014 meta-analysis published in the International Journal of Cancer. Drawing insights from 15 distinct human studies, this meta-analysis illuminates a marked reduction in the risk of colorectal cancer associated with elevated calcium intake from both dietary and supplementary sources. Specifically, each incremental 300 mg rise in calcium derived from supplements corresponds to a noteworthy 9% reduction in risk. Equally noteworthy, a parallel 300 mg increase in total calcium intake precipitates an 8% decrease in risk. Remarkably, striving for a daily calcium intake of 1200 mg—recognized as the threshold for optimizing bone density and curbing osteoporosis—aligns with a substantial 32-36% reduction in colon cancer risk. Regrettably, a sizable segment of the population falls short of this target, typically ingesting between 500-800 mg of calcium each day.
Deciphering the Mechanism: How Calcium Engages in Risk Abatement
Peering into the mechanism underlying calcium’s potential to mitigate colon cancer risk unveils its safeguarding attributes. Scientific inquiry reveals that calcium effectively retards the pace of cell division among colon-lining cells. This deceleration curtails the likelihood of genetic anomalies that fuel cancer progression. Furthermore, calcium’s propensity to bind with bile acids in the gut curbs their conversion into secondary sterols, such as lithocholic and deoxycholic acids, recognized instigators of cancer advancement. This two-fold mechanism underscores calcium’s pivotal role in thwarting colorectal cancer.
A Calcium-Rich Regimen: Strengthening Colorectal Well-being
The crux of the matter lies in sustaining a consistent influx of calcium-rich foods into one’s daily diet. Should circumstances necessitate, calcium and vitamin D supplements offer viable alternatives. Notably, vitamin D synergizes with calcium, bolstering not just bone health, but also exerting an influence on reduced colon cancer risk.
Embarking on a Calcium-Enriched Journey: A Plethora of Sources for Colorectal Health
Surveying the diverse landscape of calcium-rich foods unveils a spectrum of options to fortify colon health. From dairy stalwarts like low-fat yogurt and milk to seafood offerings such as sardines and salmon, the array of choices enriches the palate with calcium’s nurturing touch. Similarly, vegetables like collard greens and broccoli, complemented by an eclectic array of fruits, nuts, and legumes, enrich the culinary tapestry with calcium’s protective embrace.
Conclusion: Pioneering Colorectal Health Through Calcium Fortification
The clarion call emanating from the 2014 meta-analysis, supported by decades of meticulous research, urges individuals to recognize calcium’s formidable potential in the realm of colorectal cancer prevention. Empowered by empirical evidence highlighting calcium’s capacity to retard cell division and thwart cancer-inducing transformations, individuals are poised to tread a path fortified by calcium’s protective mantle. By cultivating a diet infused with calcium-rich fare and, where warranted, integrating supplements, individuals can traverse the journey towards colon cancer prevention with the resilience conferred by calcium’s inherent prowess.
References
- Keum N, Aune D, Greenwood D.C., Ju W, Giovannucci E.L. Calcium intake and colorectal cancer risk: Dose-response meta-analysis of prospective observational studies. International J Cancer (2014) 135 (8): 1940-1948)
Sources of Calcium-Rich Foods
| Food | Portion Size | Amount of Calcium (mg) |
| Low Fat Yogurt | 1 cup | 415 |
| Low Fat Milk (nonfat,1%) | I cup | 300 |
| Low Fat Cottage Cheese | ½ cup | 75 |
| Sardines with bones | 3 oz | 370 |
| Salmon with bones (canned) | 3 oz | 165 |
| Processed Tofu with calcium sulfate | 4 oz | 145 |
| Canned Shrimp | 3 oz | 100 |
| Cooked Lentils | 1 cup | 75 |
| Chicken Breast | 3 oz | 10 |
| Tuna | 3 oz | 5 |
| Collard Greens | ½ cup | 180 |
| Spinach | ½ cup | 85 |
| Stalk of Broccoli | 1 medium | 70 |
| Orange | I medium | 55 |
| Green Beans | ½ cup | 30 |
| Lettuce | ½ head | 15 |
| Orange Juice | ½ cup | 10 |
| Apple | 1 medium | 10 |
| Whole Wheat Bread | 1 slice | 20 |
| Cooked Spaghetti | 1 cup | 15 |
| Cooked Rice | ½ cup | 10 |
| Apricots, raw, dried | 4-6 halves | 24 |
| Dates | 4-Mar | 22 |
| Figs Canned | 3 | 35 |
| Figs Dried | 2 | 56 |
| Grapefruit | I medium | 40 |
| Prunes, dried raw | 5 | 27 |
| Raisins | ¼ cup | 31 |
| Raspberries | 2/3 cup | 40 |
| Strawberries | 1 cup | 42 |
| Roasted Almonds | 1 oz | 80 |
| Kale | ½ cup | 47 |
| Baked Beans | ½ cup | 78 |
| White Beans | ½ cup | 96 |
| Dry-roasted soybean nuts | ½ cup | 232 |
Introduction
Colorectal cancer emerges as a formidable adversary, ranking second in cancer-related mortality when considering all genders. However, a ray of hope gleams from studies highlighted in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute. These studies suggest that through prudent dietary and lifestyle practices, a remarkable 70-90% of colon cancer cases can be averted. Among the myriad factors intertwining with colon cancer prevention, optimal calcium intake shines as a beacon. Over the past three decades, scientific exploration has cast calcium in the role of a potential guardian against colorectal cancer. Supported by animal studies and epidemiological investigations, a noteworthy correlation between higher calcium intake and diminished colorectal cancer incidence emerges as a pivotal revelation.
The Calcium-Colorectal Cancer Nexus: An In-Depth Analysis
The potency of calcium in mitigating colorectal cancer risk receives further validation through a compelling 2014 meta-analysis published in the International Journal of Cancer. Drawing insights from 15 distinct human studies, this meta-analysis illuminates a marked reduction in the risk of colorectal cancer associated with elevated calcium intake from both dietary and supplementary sources. Specifically, each incremental 300 mg rise in calcium derived from supplements corresponds to a noteworthy 9% reduction in risk. Equally noteworthy, a parallel 300 mg increase in total calcium intake precipitates an 8% decrease in risk. Remarkably, striving for a daily calcium intake of 1200 mg—recognized as the threshold for optimizing bone density and curbing osteoporosis—aligns with a substantial 32-36% reduction in colon cancer risk. Regrettably, a sizable segment of the population falls short of this target, typically ingesting between 500-800 mg of calcium each day.
Deciphering the Mechanism: How Calcium Engages in Risk Abatement
Peering into the mechanism underlying calcium’s potential to mitigate colon cancer risk unveils its safeguarding attributes. Scientific inquiry reveals that calcium effectively retards the pace of cell division among colon-lining cells. This deceleration curtails the likelihood of genetic anomalies that fuel cancer progression. Furthermore, calcium’s propensity to bind with bile acids in the gut curbs their conversion into secondary sterols, such as lithocholic and deoxycholic acids, recognized instigators of cancer advancement. This two-fold mechanism underscores calcium’s pivotal role in thwarting colorectal cancer.
A Calcium-Rich Regimen: Strengthening Colorectal Well-being
The crux of the matter lies in sustaining a consistent influx of calcium-rich foods into one’s daily diet. Should circumstances necessitate, calcium and vitamin D supplements offer viable alternatives. Notably, vitamin D synergizes with calcium, bolstering not just bone health, but also exerting an influence on reduced colon cancer risk.
Embarking on a Calcium-Enriched Journey: A Plethora of Sources for Colorectal Health
Surveying the diverse landscape of calcium-rich foods unveils a spectrum of options to fortify colon health. From dairy stalwarts like low-fat yogurt and milk to seafood offerings such as sardines and salmon, the array of choices enriches the palate with calcium’s nurturing touch. Similarly, vegetables like collard greens and broccoli, complemented by an eclectic array of fruits, nuts, and legumes, enrich the culinary tapestry with calcium’s protective embrace.
Conclusion: Pioneering Colorectal Health Through Calcium Fortification
The clarion call emanating from the 2014 meta-analysis, supported by decades of meticulous research, urges individuals to recognize calcium’s formidable potential in the realm of colorectal cancer prevention. Empowered by empirical evidence highlighting calcium’s capacity to retard cell division and thwart cancer-inducing transformations, individuals are poised to tread a path fortified by calcium’s protective mantle. By cultivating a diet infused with calcium-rich fare and, where warranted, integrating supplements, individuals can traverse the journey towards colon cancer prevention with the resilience conferred by calcium’s inherent prowess.
References
- Keum N, Aune D, Greenwood D.C., Ju W, Giovannucci E.L. Calcium intake and colorectal cancer risk: Dose-response meta-analysis of prospective observational studies. International J Cancer (2014) 135 (8): 1940-1948)
Sources of Calcium-Rich Foods
| Food | Portion Size | Amount of Calcium (mg) |
| Low Fat Yogurt | 1 cup | 415 |
| Low Fat Milk (nonfat,1%) | I cup | 300 |
| Low Fat Cottage Cheese | ½ cup | 75 |
| Sardines with bones | 3 oz | 370 |
| Salmon with bones (canned) | 3 oz | 165 |
| Processed Tofu with calcium sulfate | 4 oz | 145 |
| Canned Shrimp | 3 oz | 100 |
| Cooked Lentils | 1 cup | 75 |
| Chicken Breast | 3 oz | 10 |
| Tuna | 3 oz | 5 |
| Collard Greens | ½ cup | 180 |
| Spinach | ½ cup | 85 |
| Stalk of Broccoli | 1 medium | 70 |
| Orange | I medium | 55 |
| Green Beans | ½ cup | 30 |
| Lettuce | ½ head | 15 |
| Orange Juice | ½ cup | 10 |
| Apple | 1 medium | 10 |
| Whole Wheat Bread | 1 slice | 20 |
| Cooked Spaghetti | 1 cup | 15 |
| Cooked Rice | ½ cup | 10 |
| Apricots, raw, dried | 4-6 halves | 24 |
| Dates | 4-Mar | 22 |
| Figs Canned | 3 | 35 |
| Figs Dried | 2 | 56 |
| Grapefruit | I medium | 40 |
| Prunes, dried raw | 5 | 27 |
| Raisins | ¼ cup | 31 |
| Raspberries | 2/3 cup | 40 |
| Strawberries | 1 cup | 42 |
| Roasted Almonds | 1 oz | 80 |
| Kale | ½ cup | 47 |
| Baked Beans | ½ cup | 78 |
| White Beans | ½ cup | 96 |
| Dry-roasted soybean nuts | ½ cup | 232 |
Dr. James Meschino
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Dr. James Meschino, DC, MS, ROHP, is an educator, author, and researcher having lectured to thousands of healthcare professionals across North America. He holds a Master’s Degree in Science with specialties in human nutrition and biology and is recognized as an expert in the field of nutrition, anti-aging, fitness, and wellness as well as the author of numerous books.
