Can colon cancer incidence and death rates be reduced with calcium and vitamin D?

Article Abstract:

Research studies regarding the role of calcium and vitamin D in reducing the risk of colon cancer are reviewed, and dietary recommendations are made. In 1980, it was reported that death from colon cancer is more common in northern climates than in southern climates. Based on this observation it was suggested that sunlight, which is more intense in southern climates, may provide some protection against colon cancer. Because exposure to sunlight (ultraviolet light) increases the amount of vitamin D made by the human body, it was suggested that vitamin D may protect against colon cancer. Several studies have shown that colon cancer is less common in people who consume large amounts of vitamin D in their diets and have high levels of vitamin D in their blood. One study, performed over a period of 19 years, reported that a daily intake of more than 3.75 micrograms of vitamin D reduced the incidence of colorectal cancer by 50 percent. Several other studies have reported that dietary calcium may protect against colon cancer. These studies found that colon cancer is less common among people who eat a diet rich in calcium than in those who consume little calcium in their diet. A daily intake of at least 1,200 milligrams (mg) of calcium was reported to reduce the risk of getting colorectal cancer by 75 percent. Based on the results of these studies, daily intakes of 1,500 mg calcium for women and 1,800 mg calcium for men, as well as at least 5 micrograms of vitamin D, are recommended to reduce the risk of colon cancer. It should be mentioned that very high doses of vitamin D and calcium may lead to kidney stones in persons who are predisposed to them. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Risk factors, Colorectal cancer, Vitamin D, Calcium in the body, Calcium (Nutrient), Calcium, Dietary

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Incidence of human immunodeficiency virus seroconversion in U.S. Navy and Marine Corps personnel, 1986 through 1988

Article Abstract:

A large study that reported the incidence of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV, the virus responsible for AIDS) seroconversion in a normal, healthy population was conducted using demographic characteristics. (Seroconversion refers to the point in time when antibodies for a virus are detectable in the blood, confirming exposure to that virus.) Between 1986 and 1988 screening tests were given to active-duty enlisted and officer personnel in the U.S. Navy and U.S. Marine Corps. Individuals who tested negative were tracked and follow-up screenings recorded characteristics of those who subsequently tested as HIV-positive. Measurements were adjusted for age and confidence intervals were 95 percent. The results of the data indicated that men were five times as likely to develop HIV infection than were women, and blacks were 3.7 times as likely to test positive as were whites. A higher incidence of seroconversion was recorded in the U.S. Navy population than in the U.S. Marine population. It was observed that the Navy was probably more indicative of the rates of occurrence within non-military populations. This may be a reflection of the diversity of occupational categories that are found in the Navy which more closely resembles the civilian spectrum of employment. Although no direct applications can be made to general U.S. populations, this study represents the first large scale study of HIV seroconversion in young and apparently normal individuals that has been performed to date.

Case studies, Diagnosis, Surveys, AIDS (Disease), United States. Navy, United States. Marine Corps, AIDS virus carriers, HIV carriers

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Drug-Resistant HIV-1

Article Abstract:

Genetic testing of viral strains infecting patients with HIV may be useful in improving the effectiveness of antiviral drug therapy and reducing the development of drug-resistant HIV. The rapid rate of viral mutation, and poor compliance with drug regimens of many HIV patients, contributes to the development of resistance. For the cost of one month of combination antiretroviral therapy, viral susceptibility testing may provide useful clinical guidance to physicians treating HIV patients. Drug-resistant HIV complicates treatment of HIV patients and those exposed to infected blood.

Editorial, HIV infection, Drug therapy, HIV infections, HIV (Viruses), HIV, Drug resistance in microorganisms, Microbial drug resistance, Antiviral agents

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