Calcium supplements have been proven to reduce the risk of a recurrence of colon polyps, precancerous growths that develop in the intestinal lining.  Now, a follow-up study shows that polyp protection continues for as long as five years, even after people stop taking calcium.

Researchers found that only about 3 in 10 of people who had taken calcium in the original study had had a recurrence of colon polyps in the five years since that study ended, compared to about 4 in 10 people who had taken blank look-alike pills, a 12 % reduction in risk. 

Calcium may help prevent colon cancer in several ways. It’s known to bind with bile and other fatty acids in the bowel, making these fats less likely to irritate the bowel and cause inflammation that can lead to abnormal cell growth. More recently, calcium has been found to promote cells’ ability to make adhesion molecules. These sticky proteins help cells maintain tight borders and resist overgrowth by precancerous neighbors

During the study, people took 3,000 mg. of calcium carbonate--the equivalent of 1,200 mg. of elemental calcium—every day for four years. (Grau, MV et al. J Natl Cancer Inst 2007; 99:129-36.)

The DRI (Dietary Reference Intake) for calcium is: Ages 19-50 yrs - 1,000 mg; Ages 51 yrs+  - 1,200 mg. Foods that are high in calcium include dairy products like milk, yogurt and cheese. Tofu and fish with bones (canned salmon, sardines) also contain good amounts. Here's a list of 10 foods that are high in calcium:

• 1 cup of fortified soy milk has 400 mg calcium
• 1 cup of non-fat milk has 300 mg calcium
• 1 cup of fortified orange juice has 300 mg calcium
• 1 cup of fortified cereal has 300 mg calcium
• 1 oz. swiss cheese has 270 mg calcium
• 1 cup of frozen yogurt has 200 mg calcium
• 3 oz. canned salmon with bones has 180 mg calcium
• 1 cup of black beans has 120 mg calcium
• ½ cup of mustard greens has 100 mg calcium
• ½ cup cooked kale has 90 mg calcium

All of our Multi Nutrient Formulas provide 800 mg a day of calcium. You can easily get the dosage used in this study by taking the multi-vitamin and having 2-3 servings of dairy products a day. See related items below.