Calcium and Vitamin D for the Prevention of Colorectal Adenomas
According to a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine, Calcium and Vitamin D can help prevent colorectal adenomas. According to in vitro studies, “vitamin D and its analogues have been shown to inhibit proliferation, induce differentiation, inhibit angiogenesis, and promote apoptosis in epithelial tissues. High vitamin D intake inhibits experimental carcinogenesis, even in animals that are vitamin D-replete.
In regards to calcium, “High calcium intake is also associated with lower risk of colorectal neoplasia. Increases in dietary calcium have been shown to inhibit large-bowel carcinogenesis in animal models, and epidemiologic studies have shown lower risk of colorectal cancer and adenomas in association with higher calcium intake.”
The study was a randomized, multicenter, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. The patients ranged in age from 45 to 75 years of age and had at least one colorectal adenoma removed within 120 days before enrollment, had no remaining polyps after a complete colonoscopy, and were anticipated to undergo a three-year or five-year colonoscopic follow-up examination recommended by the treating endoscopist.
Interestingly, a total of 11 percent of the participants had three or more adenomas at baseline, and 18 percent had one or more advance adenomas. Also, the researchers found that body-mass index (BMI) appeared to modify the effects of calcium on adenoma risk. The lower the BMI, the greater the response to calcium supplementation. But contrary to their hypothesis, the researchers found that vitamin D or calcium, taken daily alone or in combination, reduced the risk of colorectal adenomas.
Razi Berry, Founder and Publisher of Naturopathic Doctor News & Review (ndnr.com) and NaturalPath (thenatpath.com), has spent the last decade as a natural medicine advocate and marketing whiz. She has galvanized and supported the naturopathic community, bringing a higher quality of healthcare to millions of North Americans through her publications. A self-proclaimed health-food junkie and mother of two; she loves all things nature, is obsessed with organic gardening, growing fruit trees (not easy in Phoenix), laughing until she snorts, and homeschooling. She is a little bit crunchy and yes, that is her real name.
