Does dietary calcium supplementation reduce the risk of colon cancer?
Several recent studies have examined the hypothesis that calcium supplementation (1.2-2.0 g/day) protects against colon cancer in persons at high risk. The effect of supplementation was assessed by comparing the labeling index of rectal biopsy specimens before and after supplementation. Although in most studies the labeling index tended to decrease during supplementation, the results were inconsistent. It is also unclear whether the decrease in the index correlates with a decrease in occurrence or recurrence of colonic tumors. Use of calcium prophylaxis for persons at risk for colon cancer should be reserved for controlled clinical trials.
Gastroenterology Unit, Hadassah University Hospital, Jerusalem, Israel.
J
J
Zimmerman
D002118:Calcium / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003110:Colonic Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006801:Humans; D007413:Intestinal Mucosa / Q000473:pathology; D012307:Risk Factors
D002118:Calcium