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Calcium and Colon Cancer
March 18, 2009 |
We know its good for bones and teeth, but that daily glass of milk may be the next
line of defense in warding off colon cancer.
“The studies are out there,” states Dr. Cesar Santiago, a colorectal surgeon on
the medical staff of Lee Memorial Health System. In a report just released, researchers
for the U.S. National Cancer Institute found calcium reduced abnormal growths in
the gastrointestinal system. “It seems that the intake of calcium or the supplementation
with calcium leads to decrease of incidents of colorectal cancer,” says Dr. Santiago.
However, it was more effective in women than men. Now they are trying to figure
out why. “A lot more females are going to be taking calcium for osteoporosis. I
wouldn’t be surprised if the main reason why it was women was because they are the
ones taking calcium supplements,” adds Dr. Santiago.
Researchers admit the study is still in the early stages and are looking to see
if calcium can help fight other cancers such as breast cancer and prostate cancer.
The U.S. Institute of Medicine recommends 1200 milligrams of calcium each day for
adults 50 and older.
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