title: Calcium, vitamin D and colorectal cancer chemoprevention.
abstract: Identifying modifiable risk factors, particularly dietary factors, which have been hypothesized to play an important role in colorectal carcinogenesis, remains crucial in developing primary prevention strategies. Calcium and vitamin D have been shown consistently in experimental studies to have anti-cancerous properties including but not limited to stimulating differentiation, reducing proliferation, and inducing apoptosis. The majority of epidemiologic studies consistently support an approximately 20-30% reduction in risk of colorectal cancer and adenomas comparing high to low intake categories of both calcium and vitamin D, although independent effects may not be adequately separated. Less consistency exists on the dose-response relation for both nutrients. Intake of calcium of not more than 1000 mg/d and intake of vitamin D of 1000-2000 IU/d, achieving a level of at least 30 ng/mL, appear important for colorectal cancer prevention. More study is warranted to determine the optimal intake levels and duration to reduce the colorectal cancer risk.
authors: Channing Laboratory at Landmark Center, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, 401 Park Drive, Boston, MA 02115, USA. poxue@channing.harvard.edu
authors: Xuehong
authors: X
authors: Zhang
authors: Edward
authors: E
authors: Giovannucci
mesh_terms: D000236:Adenoma / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D000818:Animals; D016588:Anticarcinogenic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002118:Calcium / Q000172:deficiency / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D018890:Chemoprevention; D015179:Colorectal Neoplasms / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D019587:Dietary Supplements; D006801:Humans; D018673:Nutrition Policy; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012307:Risk Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014807:Vitamin D / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D014808:Vitamin D Deficiency / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000453:epidemiology
chemical_list: D016588:Anticarcinogenic Agents; D014807:Vitamin D; D002118:Calcium