Calcium and Vitamin D Intake and Colorectal Cancer Risk: a Bibliographic Review

Abstract

Colorectal cancer is the third most prevalent neoplasm type in the world. The main risk factors are: familiar history of colon and rectum cancer, diet on the basis of animal fats, low intake of fruits, vegetables and cereals, excessive consumption of alcohol and tobacco and advanced age. Evidence from animal studies has suggested that calcium and vitamin D intake may reduce colonic carcinogenesis. The objective is to discuss the association between calcium and vitamin D intake and colorectal cancer risk. A bibliographic review based on articles published within the last 10 years, from magazines indexed in virtual libraries such as Lilacs, SciELO and Medline was done. One of the mechanisms in which calcium reduces colorectal cancer risk is its ability to bind itself to bile acids and ionized fatty acids, thereby reducing the potential proliferation effects of these compounds on the colonic mucosa. Vitamin D has the potential to regulate cell proliferation. Studies have shown that high consumption of milky products, mainly milk, is associated with risk reduction. There are evidences that calcium and vitamin D are related with genesis reduction of colorectal cancer.