UK dietary surveys and reports published by government or research institutions

Oxford Study: 300mg Calcium Daily Reduces Colorectal Cancer Risk by 17%

Jan 12, 2025, 07:04 AM

A recent study published in the journal Nature Communications highlights the potential protective effects of calcium intake against colorectal cancer. The study, conducted by researchers at the University of Oxford, analyzed dietary data from over 540,000 women in the UK as part of the Million Women Study. It found that consuming 300 milligrams of calcium daily, equivalent to a large glass of milk, was associated with a 17% reduction in colorectal cancer risk over a 16-year period. Additionally, consuming 200 grams of milk daily reduced the risk by 14%, and 50 grams of yogurt daily reduced the risk by 8%. The protective benefits were also observed in non-dairy calcium sources, such as fortified soy milk. The study analyzed 97 dietary factors to determine these associations. In contrast, the study linked daily consumption of 20 grams of alcohol to a 15% increased risk and 30 grams of red or processed meat to an 8% increased risk. The researchers attribute calcium's protective role to its ability to bind bile acids and free fatty acids in the colon, reducing their potential carcinogenic effects. While the study primarily focused on postmenopausal women, researchers believe the findings may also apply to men and younger individuals. The research underscores the importance of a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle in reducing colorectal cancer risk.