Regular consumption of milk while at school could reduce the risk of bowel cancer in adulthood, scientists at the University of Otago say.
A national study, published in the American Journal of Epidemiology School Milk and Risk of Colorectal Cancer: A National Case-Control Study, found that the risk of bowel cancer was 30 percent lower in people who drank school milk daily. The reduction in risk was greatest in those who drank 1200 or more half-pint bottles of milk while at school.
The study was conducted by Associate Professor Brian Cox and Dr Mary Jane Sneyd of the Hugh Adam Cancer Epidemiology Unit, Department of Preventive and Social Medicine of the Dunedin School of Medicine at the University of Otago. The researchers are funded by the Director’s Cancer Research Trust. Grants-in-aid for the study were provided by the Genesis Oncology Trust, and the Dean’s Bequest Funds of the Dunedin School of Medicine.
bowel cancer
The researchers believe that the calcium provided by the free milk-in-schools programme from 1937 to 1967 may be responsible for the dramatic reduction in risk of bowel cancer that has occurred in New Zealand for people born between 1938 and 1953. Studies in adults have suggested that calcium consumption may reduce bowel cancer risk but very few studies of consumption in childhood have been done.
“The results of this study, if confirmed, would provide a means of reducing the very high rates of bowel cancer in New Zealand,” Associate Professor Cox says.
He also suggests that “the study should encourage a greater focus on factors in childhood that affect the risk of bowel cancer and health overall.”
“The research team is currently planning further research which, if funding can be obtained, could confirm that the provision of milk at school can significantly reduce the risk of bowel cancer in future generations.” The study involved obtaining information from people newly diagnosed with bowel cancer and people of a similar age without bowel cancer selected from the general electoral roll.
- Similar posts
- School milk lowers bowel cancer risk (44.5%)
- Vitamin D and diabetes (17.2%)
- Genesis - Ripples - A Trick of the Tail (16.6%)
- Fruit and Veg reduce heart disease risk (12.6%)
- Diverticular disease news (11.8%)
Thirsty children shouldn’t reach for water after P.E lessons… instead they should have a glass of milk, scientists say.
Researchers at McMaster’s University said the white stuff was a more effective way at countering dehydration in active children than sports drinks or H20.
Study leader Brian Timmons, said: ‘Children become dehydrated during exercise, and it’s important they get enough fluids, particularly before going into a second round of a game.
‘Milk is better than either a sports drink or water because it is a source of high quality protein, carbohydrates, calcium and electrolytes.’
He added that milk replaces sodium lost in sweat and helps the body retain fluid better.
The milk also provides protein, needed by children for muscle development and growth, not found in the other drinks.
The study of children aged 8 to 10 involved exercising in a climate chamber, then receiving a drink and being measured for hydration.
Assistant Professor Timmons, at the Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine, said active children and adults usually don’t drink enough to stay hydrated during exercise. This means they often have a ‘hydration disadvantage’ when they start their next period of exercise.
He said that one per cent dehydration can cause up to a 15 per cent decrease in performance, with an increased heart rate, core temperature and less ability to keep going.
More significant dehydration comes with an increased risk of heat-related illness such as heat stroke.
However, the study was funded by Dairy Farmers of Canada, which may or may not be a moo-t point.