The Netherlands – Calcium can help fight against the effects of E.coli-related diarrhoea, according to a report from scientists in Holland.

Dr Bovee-Oudenhoven, of the Wageningen Center for Food Sciences/NIZO Research in Ede, and colleagues reported that calcium supplementation increased rats’ resistance to Salmonella.

The report could be of benefit to a number of groups affected by the potentially lethal diarrhoea, especially children in developing countries.

The report suggested that non-dairy products, such as calcium tablets, would have an equally beneficial effect on a person’s resistance to the disease, helping people such as the lactose-intolerant.