Study Examines Calcium and Magnesium Intake in Relation to Prostate Cancer Aggressiveness

Overview of Prostate Cancer in the United States

A recent investigation by US researchers explored the connection between daily calcium and magnesium intake and the prevalence of high-aggressive prostate cancer. Prostate cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer in men in the United States and ranks as the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths. Factors such as age, ethnicity, and family history are known to influence prostate cancer risk. Previous research has indicated that dairy consumption and calcium intake may correlate with an increased risk of developing the disease.

Inconsistent Evidence on Dairy Products and Prostate Cancer

The association between dairy product consumption and prostate cancer risk remains inconsistent. Some studies report no significant relationship, while others indicate that a high intake of dairy products may significantly elevate prostate cancer risk. In contrast, there is consistent evidence linking calcium intake to prostate cancer diagnosis. One hypothesis suggests that calcium may alter the levels of the biologically active form of vitamin D (dihydroxyvitamin D), potentially influencing cancer risk.

Calcium and Magnesium Interaction

Calcium and magnesium compete for absorption in the intestines and reabsorption in the kidneys, regulated by a negative feedback system. Research indicates that magnesium plays a role in glucose metabolism, inflammation, and cell proliferation, yet many people in the United States do not meet the recommended daily intake of magnesium. This study aimed to analyze the relationship between calcium and magnesium intake, along with their ratio, dietary dairy intake, and the aggressiveness of prostate cancer.

Study Design and Participant Information

The findings were published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. The study included 996 African-American men and 1064 European American men, aged 40 to 79 years, who had recently been diagnosed with high-aggressive prostate cancer as part of the North Carolina–Louisiana Prostate Cancer Project (PCaP). A modified National Cancer Institute Diet History Questionnaire was administered by trained registered nurses within 14 weeks of diagnosis to assess dietary intake.

Findings on Demographics and Prostate Cancer Risk

Results showed that African-American men, along with older participants, those with a history of smoking, lower education levels, fewer prostate screenings, and higher saturated fat and alcohol intake, were more likely to be diagnosed with high-aggressive prostate cancer. A notable positive correlation was seen between the calcium-to-magnesium ratio and the incidence of high-aggressive prostate cancer, with African-American men demonstrating a stronger association when stratified by race.

Whole-Milk Intake and Prostate Cancer Risk

European American participants reported a higher daily intake of both calcium and magnesium. Those diagnosed with high-aggressive prostate cancer consumed greater amounts of dietary or supplemental calcium, milk, and total dairy products, resulting in a higher calcium-to-magnesium ratio compared to individuals with low-intermediate-aggressive prostate cancer. Men consuming high amounts of whole-fat milk were found to have a 74% increased risk of high-aggressive prostate cancer compared to those who drank non-whole-fat milk.

Limitations and Future Research Directions

One limitation of the study is that all participants were drawn from the PCaP, meaning the comparison group primarily consisted of low-intermediate-aggressive prostate cancer cases. While comparisons between low-intermediate and high-aggressive prostate cancers are essential, it is equally important to assess these risk factors in men who are cancer-free.

Conclusion

The study indicates that among men previously diagnosed with high-aggressive prostate cancer, whether African American or European American, there is a higher calcium-to-magnesium ratio and increased whole-fat milk intake. These factors correlate with an elevated risk of high-aggressive prostate cancer. Further research is warranted to explore the interaction between calcium and magnesium in the context of prostate cancer development and progression.

Reference

Steck SE, Omofuma OO, Su LJ, Maise AA, Woloszynska-Read A, Johnson CS, Zhang H, Bensen JT, Fontham ETH, Mohler JL, Arab L. Calcium, magnesium, and whole-milk intakes and high-aggressive prostate cancer in the North Carolina-Louisiana Prostate Cancer Project (PCaP). Am J Clin Nutr. 2018 May 1;107(5):799-807. doi: 10.1093/ajcn/nqy037.