New Research: Can Yogurt & Calcium Lower Bowel Cancer Risk ?

Recent findings from two robust, peer-reviewed studies are offering promising insights into how everyday dietary choices—specifically yogurt and calcium-rich foods—might lower the risk of colorectal cancer. These studies, published in Gut Microbes and JAMA Network Open, highlight practical strategies for bowel cancer prevention while reinforcing trusted research from top institutions.

Yoghurt and Gut Health

A study by Ugai et al. (2025) published in Gut Microbes examined over 132,000 U.S. adults from the Nurses’ Health Study and Health Professionals Follow-up Study. The researchers examined whether the presence of beneficial Bifidobacterium in tumor tissue modified the association between yogurt intake and cancer risk.

Key findings include:

• Beneficial Bacteria Matter: Individuals consuming at least two servings of yogurt per week showed a trend toward a lower risk of developing colorectal tumors that were positive for Bifidobacterium.
• Targeted Protection: Although the overall reduction in risk wasn’t universal for all tumor types, the distinct benefit observed in Bifidobacterium-positive tumors suggests that yogurt’s probiotic content may support the body’s natural cancer defenses.

Calcium Intake and Its Protective Role Against Colorectal Cancer

Another study from the NIH-AARP Diet and Health Study, published in JAMA Network Open, followed over 470,000 adults for nearly 20 years to assess the impact of calcium intake from various sources on colorectal cancer risk.

Highlights of the study:

• Dose-Response Relationship: Every extra 300 mg of calcium per day was associated with a noticeable drop in bowel cancer risk.
• Consistent Benefits Across Sources: Whether calcium came from dairy products, non-dairy foods, or supplements, the protective effect was similar.
• Broad Impact Across Tumour Sites: Calcium intake appeared beneficial for different parts of the colon and rectum, underlining its importance in cancer prevention.
• Public Health Implications: Boosting calcium intake, especially in populations with lower consumption, may help reduce disparities in bowel cancer risk.

Practical Tips for Improving Your Diet

Based on these studies, here are some simple, actionable tips to incorporate cancer-preventive nutrients into your daily routine:

• Eat Yoghurt Regularly: Aim for at least two servings per week. Yoghurt is not only rich in calcium but also provides live probiotics that support gut health.
• Increase Calcium Intake: Enjoy calcium-rich foods such as milk, cheese, and fortified plant-based alternatives. For those who prefer non-dairy options, include leafy greens, almonds, and tofu.
• Balance Your Diet: Combine dairy and calcium sources with plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins to support a healthy digestive system.
• Talk to Your Doctor: Before making any significant dietary changes, discuss your plans with a healthcare provider to determine what’s best for your personal health needs.

Why This Matters

These studies add to a growing body of evidence that everyday diet choices can play a vital role in cancer prevention. Incorporating nutrient-rich foods like yoghurt and calcium not only supports overall health but might also lower your risk of bowel cancer.

Stay informed and proactive in your health decisions—small changes in your diet today could lead to significant benefits in the future.

Published: 17 February 2025
Sources: Gut Microbes (Ugai et al., 2025) and JAMA Network Open (Zouiouich et al., 2025)