02 December 2009
Supplements of calcium and vitamin D offer potential protection from tumor development in colon and rectum, a new study says.
The researchers randomly assigned 92 men and women with a history of non-malignant (benign) colorectal tumors to receive daily calcium (2.0 g) and/or vitamin D3 supplements (800 IU), or placebo for six months (1). Markers of the health of cells in the colon and rectum were found to increase by 201, 242, and 25 percent in the calcium, vitamin D, and calcium plus vitamin D groups relative to the placebo.
The results support further investigation of calcium and vitamin D as chemopreventive agents against colorectal cancer, the scientists commented.
The potential benefits for the vitamin-mineral combination in relation to colorectal cancer is somewhat controversial, with some studies reporting benefits while others report no results: in 2006, results from the Women's Health Initiative (WHI) stated that daily supplements of vitamin D and calcium 'had no effect' on the risk of colorectal cancer. The results were questioned however and independent cancer experts said at the time that the claims should be interpreted in the light of the complexities of the study with several potential confounders.
Colorectal cancer remains one of the most curable cancers if diagnosis is made early.
14 May 2013
A supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids does not seem to reduce cardiovascular mortality and morbidity of patients with multiple cardiovascular risk factors, suggests a new study from Italy.
6 November 2013
A new US review suggests that there is a normal range of human sodium intake defined by physiology and biological needs and not by the food supply.
23 January 2015
According to a new US study there are lower micronutrient intakes and a higher prevalence of insufficient micronutrient supply among obese adults compared to normal weight adults.
