Calcium and Vitamin D: Partners in Preventing Colorectal Adenomas?

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http://general-medicine.jwatch.org/cgi/content/full/2004/120/1

 

Calcium and Vitamin D: Partners in Preventing Colorectal Adenomas? Results from

a previously published, placebo-controlled, randomized trial demonstrated that

calcium supplementation (1200 mg daily) reduced 1- and 4-year risks for new

colorectal adenomas among 930 patients with recently removed polyps (Journal

Watch Jan 22 1999). In a new analysis from that trial, researchers assessed

whether patients' vitamin D status had influenced the findings. Vitamin D status

was determined by measuring serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels; use of vitamin D

supplements was not evaluated.

Among patients with baseline 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels lower than the median

for the study population (29 ng/mL), calcium supplementation was not associated

with reduced 4-year risk for adenomas. Among those with levels higher than the

median, however, supplementation significantly reduced risk for recurrent

adenomas (relative risk, 0.71, compared with placebo).

Comment: Calcium and vitamin D might act synergistically to reduce risk for

colorectal adenomas; the mechanism for this interaction is unclear. The bottom

line, however, is prevention of colorectal cancer: It remains to be seen whether

supplementation with calcium and vitamin D would lower colorectal cancer rates

in large populations.

— Allan S. Brett, MD

Published in Journal Watch January 20, 2004

Source

Grau MV et al. Vitamin D, calcium supplementation, and colorectal adenomas:

Results of a randomized trial. J Natl Cancer Inst 2003 Dec 3; 95:1765-71.

[Original article][Medline abstract][Download citation]

 

 

 

 

 

 

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