Calcium does not protect against colorectal neoplasia

source extracted confidence: high 2026-04-09
#adenoma #calcium-dietary #colorectal-neoplasms #humans #multivariate-analysis

Calcium does not protect against colorectal neoplasia

Bergsma-Kadijk et al., 1996 | Epidemiology | Meta Analysis

Citation

Bergsma-Kadijk J A, van 't Veer P, ... Burema J. Calcium does not protect against colorectal neoplasia. Epidemiology. 1996-Nov;7(6):590-7

Abstract

Calcium could decrease risk of colorectal neoplasia by binding bowel-irritating compounds and diminishing mucosal proliferation. This study quantitatively summarizes epidemiologic studies addressing this hypothesis and aims to explain heterogeneity between studies. Twenty-four articles reported 43 measures of relative risks (RRs). The weighted mean, according to a random effects model, did not indicate substantial protection by calcium [RR = 0.89; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.79-1.01]. Results from different studies showed substantial heterogeneity, with the "true" underlying RRs ranging from about 0.50 to 1.60. Summary RRs for cohort and case-control studies were 0.90 and 0.88, respectively. For adenomas and carcinomas, RRs were 1.13 (95% CI = 0.91-1.39) and 0.86 (95% CI = 0.74-0.98), respectively, both falling within the range of between study heterogeneity. With respect to subsites, lower RRs were observed for estimates that included proximal colon as one of the subsites (RR = 0.67), whereas the RR was close to 1.0 for distal (RR = 0.97) and rectal subsites (RR = 0.99). Stratification on study characteristics and weighted regression analysis yielded RRs slightly below 1.0, with considerable heterogeneity. These results do not support the hypothesis that calcium prevents colorectal neoplasia.

Key Findings

These results do not support the hypothesis that calcium prevents colorectal neoplasia.

Outcomes Measured

  • Requires manual extraction

Population

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

MeSH Terms

  • Adenoma
  • Calcium, Dietary
  • Colorectal Neoplasms
  • Humans
  • Multivariate Analysis
  • Regression Analysis
  • Risk Factors

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Meta Analysis
  • Publication Types: Journal Article, Meta-Analysis
  • Vertical: calcium-colorectal

Provenance

  • PMID: 8899384
  • DOI: (not available)
  • PMCID: Not in PMC
  • Verified: 2026-04-09 via PubMed E-utilities API

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