Rung 2 · Limited
Calcium supplements for colorectal cancer
Unclear: pills haven't been shown to prevent polyps.
PreventionWith your doctor
What studies found
The World Cancer Research Fund rates calcium supplements as probably lowering colorectal cancer risk, but the National Cancer Institute says it isn't known whether they do. In a randomized trial of 2,259 people who had polyps removed, 1,200 mg of calcium a day did not significantly reduce new polyps (45.3% vs 47.6%).
The catch
Calcium from food, including dairy, is fine.
What to do
Don't take calcium pills just to prevent colorectal cancer.
Sources
Rung 2 of 5, Limited: Few, small or conflicting human studies, or only indirect measures such as blood markers. How we score
To take it to your doctor, print this page.
Step by step
For the whole picture, from prevention and screening to treatment and life after, see the colorectal cancer page.
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