Men whose diets contain large amounts of calcium could be at increased risk of developing prostate cancer, suggest results of a recent study. Researchers found that men who ate 2.5 or more servings of dairy produce a day were as much as 33% more likely to develop prostate cancer compared to men who ate the least dairy products. The study authors believe that diets loaded with calcium prevent the body from producing a form of vitamin-D that is thought to protect men from prostate cancer. However, they stress that at present evidence that calcium from dairy products might increase prostate cancer risk is extremely weak. Thus, they do not recommend that men cut back on calcium-rich foods as calcium is needed to keep bones and teeth strong and healthy.
SOURCE/REFERENCE: American Journal of Clinical Nutrition 2001 74: 549-554
