A new study found that consuming 300mg of calcium daily, equivalent to a large glass of milk, may reduce the risk of bowel cancer by nearly a fifth. Researchers analyzed data from over 540,000 women and discovered that calcium intake significantly lowered the risk. The study’s findings confirm previous suggestions that dairy products can help prevent bowel cancer.
The research, published in Nature Communications, showed that non-dairy sources of calcium also have a similar protective effect. Bowel cancer is the third most common cancer worldwide, causing nearly 2 million cases and 1 million deaths annually. The disease is on the rise, particularly among younger people.
To reduce the risk of bowel cancer, experts recommend maintaining a healthy weight, eating more fiber, drinking less alcohol, staying physically active, and avoiding smoking. Diet plays a crucial role, with red or processed meat linked to one in five cases. The study’s results suggest that calcium may help protect against bowel cancer by reducing the potential of bile acids and free fatty acids in the colon.
Dr Keren Papier, the study’s author, believes the findings apply to both men and younger people. She thinks calcium may work by attaching to these substances, reducing their cancer-causing potential. The Cancer Research UK-funded study emphasizes the importance of a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle to lower bowel cancer risk.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/science/2025/jan/08/daily-glass-of-milk-may-cut-bowel-cancer-risk-by-fifth-research-finds