Dietary supplement use and colorectal cancer risk: a systematic review and meta-analyses of prospective cohort studies

source extracted confidence: high 2026-04-09
#adult #aged #aged-80-and-over #calcium-dietary #colorectal-neoplasms

Dietary supplement use and colorectal cancer risk: a systematic review and meta-analyses of prospective cohort studies

Heine-Bröring et al., 2015 | Int J Cancer | Meta Analysis

Citation

Heine-Bröring Renate C, Winkels Renate M, ... Kampman Ellen. Dietary supplement use and colorectal cancer risk: a systematic review and meta-analyses of prospective cohort studies. Int J Cancer. 2015-May-15;136(10):2388-401. doi:10.1002/ijc.29277

Abstract

Use of dietary supplements is rising in countries where colorectal cancer is prevalent. We conducted a systematic literature review and meta-analyses of prospective cohort studies on dietary supplement use and colorectal cancer risk. We identified relevant studies in Medline, Embase and Cochrane up to January 2013. Original and peer-reviewed papers on dietary supplement use and colorectal cancer, colon cancer, or rectal cancer incidence were included. "Use-no use"(U-NU), "highest-lowest"(H-L) and "dose-response"(DR) meta-analyses were performed. Random-effects models were used to estimate summary estimates. In total, 24 papers were included in the meta-analyses. We observed inverse associations for colorectal cancer risk and multivitamin (U-NU: RR = 0.92; 95% CI: 0.87,0.97) and calcium supplements (U-NU: RR = 0.86; 95% CI: 0.79,0.95; H-L: RR = 0.80; 95% CI: 0.70,0.92; DR: for an increase of 100 mg/day, RR = 0.96; 95% CI: 0.94,0.99). Inconsistent associations were found for colon cancer risk and supplemental vitamin A and vitamin C, and for colorectal cancer risk and supplemental vitamin D, vitamin E, garlic and folic acid. Meta-analyses of observational studies suggest a beneficial role for multivitamins and calcium supplements on colorectal cancer risk, while the association with other supplements and colorectal cancer risk is inconsistent. Residual confounding of lifestyle factors might be present. Before recommendations can be made, an extensive assessment of dietary supplement use and a better understanding of underlying mechanisms is needed.

Key Findings

Before recommendations can be made, an extensive assessment of dietary supplement use and a better understanding of underlying mechanisms is needed.

Outcomes Measured

  • Requires manual extraction

Population

Field Value
Population See abstract
Sample Size See abstract
Age Range See abstract
Condition See abstract

MeSH Terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Calcium, Dietary
  • Colorectal Neoplasms
  • Databases as Topic
  • Dietary Supplements
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Prospective Studies
  • Risk Factors
  • Vitamins
  • Young Adult

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Meta Analysis
  • Publication Types: Journal Article, Meta-Analysis, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't, Systematic Review
  • Vertical: garlic

Provenance

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09