What Are the Dangers of Calcium & Prostate Cancer?

The relationship between calcium intake and prostate cancer has been studied for many years, often with conflicting results. Some experts believe there is a link, while others deny one.

History

• A study in the October 2001 issue of the "American Journal of Clinical Nutrition" showed men with the highest calcium intake had a 32 percent higher risk of prostate cancer than those with the lowest levels of calcium intake.

Theory/Speculation

• The more calcium a man ingests in his diet, the less calcitriol (a type of vitamin D) his body produces. According to the American Cancer Society, calcitriol inhibits the replication of prostate cancer cells.

Conflicting Findings

• The February 23, 2009, issue of the "Archives of Internal Medicine" concluded that high levels of calcium did not cause or prevent prostate cancer in men.

Considerations

• The American Cancer Society wants men to remember the important role calcium plays in preventing osteoporosis and lowering the risk of colon cancer.

Expert Insight

• According to Carmen Rodriguez, M.D., an epidemiologist with the American Cancer Society, "Until more is known, men probably should avoid taking in more than the RDA (recommended daily allowance) of 1,000mg of calcium per day."