The role of calcium and vitamin D dietary intake on risk of colorectal cancer: systematic review and meta-analysis of case-control studies

Cancer Causes Control. 2022 Feb;33(2):167-182. doi: 10.1007/s10552-021-01512-3. Epub 2021 Oct 27.

Abstract

Purpose: The aim of this study is to analyze the current evidence about the relationships between calcium/vitamin D and CRC based on case-control studies according to sex, tumor location and continental region to complement the information obtained in meta-analyses of other designs.

Methods: The articles were located in three databases (PUBMED, EMBASE and SCOPUS), they should be written in English language, with a case and control design and published between 1 January 1970 and 31 October 2019.

Results: There were 37 selected studies, 32 for intake of calcium, that involved 24,353 CRC cases and 30,650 controls, and 23 for that of VIT D, with a total of 19,076 cases and 36.746 controls included. For dietary calcium intake, the overall OR was 0.94 (95% CI 0.92-0.97), suggesting a reducing effect with a 6% decrease in CRC risk for every 300 mg of calcium ingested daily. Regarding vitamin D intake a global OR of 0.96 (95% CI 0.93-0.98) was observed, what means a 4% decrease in the risk of CRC per 100 IU/day of vitamin D.

Conclusion: Higher dietary intakes of calcium and vitamin D are associated to a decreased risk of CRC.

Keywords: Calcium; Case–control study; Colorectal cancer; Intake; Meta-analysis; Vitamin D.

Publication types

  • Meta-Analysis
  • Review
  • Systematic Review

MeSH terms

  • Calcium*
  • Calcium, Dietary
  • Case-Control Studies
  • Colorectal Neoplasms* / epidemiology
  • Colorectal Neoplasms* / etiology
  • Colorectal Neoplasms* / prevention & control
  • Eating
  • Humans
  • Vitamin D

Substances

  • Calcium, Dietary
  • Vitamin D
  • Calcium