Milk: The Answer to Colon Cancer?That now famous "milk mustache" ad campaign featuring the famous from the worlds of sports, entertainment and politics has probably been one of the most successful efforts ever mounted to promote the value of dairy products. In addition to all the well-known benefits of drinking milk, a recent study sponsored by a grant by the Swedish Cancer Foundation suggests that its consumption may reduce the risk of colon cancer.
Dr. R. Jrvinen of the Department of Clinical Nutrition at the University of Kuopio, Finland, conducted the study in conjunction with scientists from Helsinki institutions. Jrvinen's team followed a baseline group of 9,959 individuals over the age of fifteen over a 24-year period.
Jrvinen's team was looking to see whether any correlation existed between consumption of milk products, which are high in lactose, calcium and vitamin D, and the risk of contracting colon cancer. The study looked at dairy products generally and then at theses three specific factors to see what relationship existed, if any.
The results of the study demonstrated that the risks decreased as greater amounts of milk were consumed. The specific element to which the reduced risk was attributed was lactose. Additional studies will be required to fully understand the mechanism. Researchers believe, however, that lactose encourages the development of cancer-fighting bacteria that could be the key to lowering the risk.
With the current trend to attributing a number of food sensitivities and intestinal disorders to lactose intolerance, chances are that many people who need lactose for good health are doing without it. More research is needed to ascertain whether people who deliberately avoid adding products with lactose to their children's diets may be contributing to long-term nutritional deficiencies. Only sustained research can help identify the factors that help prevent or cure this and other deadly diseases.
Resource
Cancer Research Foundation of America. (Updated May 3, 2002). Healthy living: Another study suggests milk may lower cancer risk. Retrieved November 9, 2002 from www.crfa.org/healthyliving/PreventionNews/
milk-may-lower-colon-cancer-risk.cfm.
Jrvinen, R., Knekt, P, Arommaa, A., Hakulinen, T. (2001, November). Prospective study on milk products, calcium, and cancers of the colon and rectum. European Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 55(11), 1000-1107.
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