Calcium, Vitamin D protect against breast cancer.

Women with a higher intake of calcium enjoy a lower risk of developing breast cancer, according to two recent epidemiological studies involving large groups of women. (1,2) A protective effect is also correlated with vitamin D intake. (1)

One study, conducted in France, considered calcium obtained from dairy products. Results showed that women with the highest intake of dairy calcium enjoyed a 45% reduction in breast cancer risk. The risk reduction reached 65% for premenopausal women. "Our data support the hypothesis that dairy products, through calcium content or a correlated component, might have a negative association with the risk of breast cancer, particularly among premenopausal women," wrote the researchers. (2)

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Similarly, an American study found that premenopausal women with the highest intakes of calcium and vitamin D reduced their risk of developing breast cancer by nearly 40%. (1)

Reference

(1.) Lin J, Manson JE, Lee IM, Cook NR, Buring JE, Zhang SM. Intakes of calcium and vitamin D and breast cancer risk in women. Arch Intern Med. 2007 May 28;167(10):1050-9.

(2.) Kesse-Guyot E, Bertrais S, Duperray B, et al. Dairy products, calcium and the risk of breast cancer: results of the French SU.VI.MAX prospective study. Ann Nutr Metab. 2007;51(2):139-45.