The government has said people should eat no more than 70g of red meat a day (approximately three rasher of bacon or two sausages). Thousands of deaths linked to bowel cancer could be avoided every year with these new guidelines.

Approximately 36,000 people are diagnosed every year with bowel cancer (third most common cancer in UK), with 16,500 people dying of the disease. Risk of bowel cancer can increase 20-30% if consuming 100-120g of processed red meat a day.

The new guidelines would not risk those with low iron levels (red meat is a good source of iron). Low iron levels can lead to anaemia, which in turn can cause tiredness, dizziness and affect brain development.

According to Professor Sally Davies, the interim Chief Medical Officer for England, “”Red meat can be part of a healthy balanced diet, but people who eat a lot should consider cutting down.”

The report was welcomed by the charity Beating Bowel Cancer. The World of Cancer Research Fund recommends avoiding all processed meat.

However some experts have said the report should distinguish between red and processed meat. Processed meat is thought to cause a higher risk of bowel cancer.

Posted by Mr. Trishul Vadi (Principal Osteopath in West Wickham, Beckenham, Bromley & South East London) on Friday, February 25th, 2011