Dairy foods may help reduce cancer risk - Colon - medical research - Brief Article

Research shows people at risk for colon cancer may have another reason to consume at least three servings of dairy products per day. It indicates that lowfat dairy foods--such as milk, cheese, and yogurt--may be powerful tools in reducing the risk of colon cancer, the third-leading cause of cancer deaths in the U.S.

In a clinical trial, 40 adults with a history of colorectal polyps--a risk factor for colon cancer--were assigned to either a calcium supplement group or a lowfat dairy one. Participants in the former were given a supplement of 900 mg of calcium daily, in addition to their usual intake of 600 mg of the mineral from food, for a total daily intake of approximately 1,500 mg. Participants in the latter group consumed about three additional servings of lowfat dairy foods per day, for a total of approximately 1,300 mg of calcium.

The results for both groups showed a significant reduction in growth of abnormal cells, which can lead to colorectal polyps and eventually to colon cancer. The study helped establish that lowfat dairy foods may be helpful as well.

"We know from past studies that calcium and vitamin D may play an important role in the fight against colon cancer," indicates Peter R. Holt, a senior scientist at the American Health Foundation; professor of medicine emeritus, Columbia University, New York; and the study's lead researcher, "but our findings are particularly exciting because they show that getting these nutrients from natural foods may provide similar benefits."

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