New research shows calcium lowers your risk of developing colon polyps. Colorectal polyps, or adenomas, are bumps or fleshy tumors that develop on the inside lining of the colon that may become cancerous over time.
Researchers say their study provides sufficient evidence which shows that calcium supplements appear to be a relatively safe and inexpensive way to reduce the risk of the most serious types of colorectal polyps, which are most strongly associated with invasive colorectal cancer.
It was found that supplemental calcium slightly decreased the risk of all types of colorectal polyps, but the greatest effect was on the most advanced colorectal lesions. They also found a diet high in fiber and low in fat increased the preventive effect of calcium.
Researchers analyzed data from 913 patients who were part of a randomized, double-blind trial among patients with recent colorectal cancer. Participants took either a 1,200-milligram calcium supplement a day or a placebo. Researchers found that the total calcium intake above 1,200 milligrams daily is necessary.
Thus researchers say ,that they may not have a very clear idea as to how calcium acts, one possibility is that calcium prevents the irritating and cancer-promoting effects of bile acids and other fats in the bowel.