Modulating effects of calcium in animal models of colon carcinogenesis and short-term studies in subjects at increased risk for colon cancer

Article Abstract:

Colorectal cancer (cancer of the colon and rectum) is a leading cause of death in Western societies. Based on the results of several different studies performed on laboratory animals, it has been suggested that dietary fat may play a role in causing colon cancer. These studies showed that large amounts of fat can damage the cells in the colon and can alter the growth pattern of these cells, causing the cells to grow faster than normal. This type of abnormal cell growth, called hyperproliferation, occurs during the early stages of cancer. In animal studies, calcium supplements have been shown to inhibit colon cancer. It has been suggested that the calcium binds to dietary fat in the colon and prevents the fat from damaging the cells in the colon. A few studies, performed in humans, have reported that calcium supplements can reverse the hyperproliferation that is associated with the development of colon cancer. Others studies have reported that people who eat low-fat dairy products or calcium supplements have a lower risk of developing colon cancer. Based on the results of these studies, it is suggested that increasing the daily intake of calcium may reduce the risk of developing colon cancer. However, further studies are needed to confirm the results of these studies before a definite conclusion about the effectiveness of calcium in preventing colon cancer can be drawn. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Prevention, Risk factors, Colorectal cancer, Lipids, Calcium, Dietary, Lipids in nutrition

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Intestinal calcium absorption: a vitamin D-hormone-mediated adaptive response

Article Abstract:

The human requirement for calcium, an essential mineral, changes dramatically throughout the life cycle. The need for calcium rises during growth in childhood, pregnancy, lactation and menopause, and is lower at other times; thus the daily human requirement ranges from 300 to 1,500 milligrams of dietary calcium. In addition, there is great variation among cultures worldwide in the amount and variety of high-calcium foods available. These circumstances suggest that the human body is able to adapt to both its physiological state and the available diet; there appears to be a range of calcium intakes that can support good health, rather than one set level of optimal intake for all persons. Calcium from the diet becomes accessible to physiological processes such as bone formation by way of intestinal absorption. The amount of calcium absorbed by the intestines appears to adapt to the individual's needs. Vitamin D and related hormones seem to be primarily responsible for adjusting the efficiency of calcium absorption. The biochemical regulation of intestinal calcium absorption is described in detail. Calcium absorption is a good example of the ability of the human body to adapt to its environment in a continuously evolving manner. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Analysis, Adaptation (Biology), Evolutionary adaptation, Metabolic regulation, Vitamin D, Calcium metabolism, Vitamin metabolism, Vitamin D metabolism

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