Calcium Intake and Cancer Risk: Current Evidence and Future Research Directions

Georgeann C. Booth, Zhenzhen Zhang, Jackilen Shannon, Gerd Bobe, Yumie Takata

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

3 Scopus citations

Abstract

Purpose of Review: Previous epidemiological studies reported equivocal associations between calcium intake and cancer risk by organ site. Here, we summarized the latest evidence on associations between calcium intake and risk of major cancers (lung, breast, prostate, and colorectal cancers) from epidemiological studies and the potential molecular mechanisms supporting such associations. Recent Findings: In observational studies, calcium intake from food and/or supplements was inversely associated with risk of colorectal and breast cancers and suggestively inversely associated with lung cancer risk, whereas it was positively associated with prostate cancer risk. In trials of calcium-containing supplements, a protective effect was suggested for prostate cancer and no consistent effects for colorectal, breast, and lung cancers. Potential molecular mechanisms by cancer site are discussed. Summary: More studies are needed to evaluate associations between cancer and sources of calcium intake, and to further elucidate potential molecular mechanisms and how these may differ by cancer site.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)72-79
Number of pages8
JournalCurrent Nutrition Reports
Volume6
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - Jun 1 2017

Keywords

  • Breast cancer
  • Calcium intake
  • Colorectal cancer
  • Lung cancer
  • Prostate cancer

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Food Science
  • Nutrition and Dietetics

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Calcium Intake and Cancer Risk: Current Evidence and Future Research Directions'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this