Calcium-Rich Diet Linked to Lower Risk of Colorectal Cancer, Study Finds

Oxford-led research highlights protective effects of calcium while confirming increased risks from alcohol and red meat consumption.

The study analyzed data from over 542,000 women in the UK over 16 years, with 12,251 diagnosed with colorectal cancer.
Consuming 300 mg of calcium daily, equivalent to an eight-ounce glass of milk, was associated with a 17% reduction in colorectal cancer risk.
The protective effects of calcium were observed regardless of whether it came from dairy or non-dairy sources like leafy greens or tofu, but not from ice cream or cheese.
Alcohol and red meat were linked to increased cancer risks, with a 15% rise for every 20 grams of alcohol and a 29% rise for every 100 grams of red meat consumed daily.
Researchers caution that while the findings are significant, further studies, including randomized controlled trials, are needed to confirm causation.