London, January 8 (ONA) – A comprehensive study conducted in the United Kingdom has revealed that increasing calcium intake, equivalent to a glass of milk daily, can significantly lower the risk of bowel cancer.
Researchers analyzed dietary data from over 500,000 women across 16 years and identified a strong protective effect associated with calcium-rich foods. In addition to dairy products, calcium-fortified non-dairy milk, dark leafy greens, and bread also contributed to reduced cancer risk.
The study, carried out by Oxford University in collaboration with Cancer Research UK, found that consuming an extra 300mg of calcium daily—approximately the amount in a large glass of milk—could lower bowel cancer risk by 17%. Other foods, including whole grains, fruits, and fibre, were found to provide modest protective benefits.
Calcium, which is naturally abundant in dairy products such as milk, yogurt, and cheese, is also present in non-dairy alternatives like soya beverages, seeds, dried figs, and leafy greens. Researchers suggest that calcium’s protective properties may stem from its ability to bind to bile acids in the colon, reducing their potential carcinogenic effects.
The findings further underscore the role of diet in cancer prevention and highlight the importance of incorporating calcium-rich foods into daily nutrition.
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