¹University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina

Correspondence: Robert S Sandler, MD, MPH, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, CB 7555, 4111 Bioinformatics Bldg, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 25599-7555

Received 11 October 2004; Revised  0000; Accepted 12 October 2004.

Abstract

Calcium supplements have been shown to decrease the risk of colorectal adenomas. In this issue of the Journal, Shaukat et al. report the results of a systematic review and metaanalysis of randomized controlled trials of calcium supplementation. The authors statistically combined the data from the three trials that met strict eligibility criteria. The overall relative risk was 0.80 (95% CI: 0.68–0.93) and the number needed to treat was 14. The results of this metaanalysis support a preventive role for calcium supplements.