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News Alert Archives
New Research Shows Dairy Foods May Help Reduce Colon Cancer Risk
Lowfat Milk, Cheese, and Yogurt May Be Powerful Tools in Battling Deadly Disease
Rosemont, Ill., September 24, 2002 New research shows people at risk for colon cancer may have another reason to consume at least three servings of dairy products per day. A study published in Nutrition and Cancer indicates that lowfat dairy foods, such as milk, cheese and yogurt, may be powerful tools in reducing the risk of colon cancer, the third leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States1.
In the clinical trial, 40 adults with a history of colorectal polyps – a risk factor for colon cancer – were assigned to either a calcium supplement group or a lowfat dairy group. Participants in the calcium supplement group were given a supplement of 900 mg of calcium daily, in addition to their usual intake of 600 mg of calcium from food, for a total daily calcium intake of approximately 1,500 mg. Participants in the dairy foods group consumed roughly three additional servings of lowfat dairy foods per day – such as lowfat milk, yogurt, ice cream and cheeses – for a total of approximately 1,300 mg of calcium per day.
The results for both groups showed a significant reduction in the growth of abnormal cells, which lead to colorectal polyps, and eventually may lead to colon cancer. This study helped to establish that lowfat dairy foods, such as milk, cheese and yogurt, may also be helpful.
“Our study found that increasing calcium consumption from sources including milk, cheese and yogurt may reduce the risk of colon cancer by slowing the abnormal growth of cells that eventually may lead to colon cancer,” said Peter R. Holt, M.D., senior scientist at the American Health Foundation, Professor of Medicine Emeritus at Columbia University and the study’s lead researcher.
This finding is consistent with a previous study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, which also found that increased lowfat dairy food intake may have returned some precancerous colon cells toward a more normal state2.
“We know from past studies that calcium and vitamin D may play an important role in the fight against colon cancer,” said Holt, “but our findings are particularly exciting because they show that getting these nutrients from natural foods may provide similar benefits.”
Good Health Starts with Dairy
Dairy foods are an excellent source of calcium and vitamin D, and also provide seven other essential nutrients. In addition, dairy foods contain compounds such as conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), butyric acid and sphingolipids, which have been found to have anti-cancer properties3.
Additionally, studies have shown that dairy foods, such as milk, cheese and yogurt may help to reduce the risk of obesity, high blood pressure and osteoporosis. According to government statistics, however, most Americans consume only 1 to 2 servings of dairy foods daily, rather than the recommended 3 servings. “Calcium-rich dairy foods such as milk, cheese and yogurt are the preferred sources of calcium and they taste better than a pill,” said Molly Pelzer, a registered dietitian for the National Dairy Council. “By making a few adjustments to your diet, it’s easy to get 3-a-day of dairy and reap its many health benefits.” Pelzer recommends these simple strategies to help incorporate more dairy into the diet:
Rise and shine . Start the day off right with granola, yogurt and fresh fruit, or cereal with lowfat milk. It’ll help give you fuel for the day and keep you feeling full until lunchtime.
Add a nutrient kick . Top vegetables, salads, chili and spaghetti with shredded lowfat cheeses for a flavorful and nutrient-rich addition to your meals.
Whip it up! Boost nutrient intake by mixing a smoothie of your favorite flavored lowfat milks, fruits and crushed ice.
Stock up. Fill your fridge with single-serve containers of flavored lowfat milks, string cheeses and portable yogurts. They make for convenient snacks, even when you’re on the go.
Savor the flavor. Make a lowfat potato or broccoli soup with lowfat milk. Or try a rice pudding with lowfat milk and raisins or peaches.
For more information on dairy’s role in helping to reduce the risk of colon cancer, read the Dairy Council Digest, “Colon Cancer Prevention” on nationaldairycouncil.org.
You can rely on the National Dairy Council for credible,
up-to-date news on dairy nutrition research, public policies on nutritional
issues and special dairy nutrition campaigns. Please browse the
News Alert archives or use the search located above the left hand
navigation for more information. If you can't find what you are looking for or
have additional questions, please contact our Nutrition & Health News
Bureau via phone at 312-240-2880 or via e-mail at
ndc@dairyinformation.com.
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