Cancer risk can be reduced from this common vitamin: study

Vitamin D is widely known for increasing bone health, muscle strength and immune function, but also has a number of other benefits – including cancer prevention.

A new study published in the journal Nutrients suggests that the usual vitamin is effective in preventing and treating colorectal cancer.

Hungarian researchers conducted a meta-analysis of previous 50 studies that included more than 1.3 million participants, focusing on the possible effects of vitamin D on the risk of cancer, immunity and inflammation.

“The most important finding is that Vitamin D plays a critical role in preventing and treating colorectal cancer,” said study author János Tamás Varga, PhD, Associate Professor at Semmelweis University in Budapest, said Fox News Digital.

“Our research clearly supports the strong bond between 25-hydroxisive D (main form of vitamin D levels) and cancer results.”

Patients with low levels of vitamin D showed poorer prognosis.

Vitamin D is shown to reduce inflammation, promote the death of cancer cells, inhibits tumor growth and enhances immune response, researchers found.

“These mechanisms significantly affect the pathophysiology of colorectal cancer,” Varga noted.

In addition to prevention, vitamin D supplementation was also shown to improve survival levels among patients with colorectal cancer in the advanced phase, according to research.

“The results suggest that the effect of vitamin D may depend on factors such as the dose, the individual condition of the patients and the duration of treatment,” Vargas added.

American Cancer Society (ACS) has previously referred to studies suggesting that vitamin D can reduce the risk of cancer, especially colorectal cancer.

“However, major studies have not found that vitamin D suppusions reduce the risk of colorectal polyps (pre-cancer growth) or cancer,” the ACS stated on its website.

An important restriction of the research is that the studies involved in the analysis used different doses of vitamin D and involved patients in different stages of cancer, the authors noted.

They required further research to accurately determine the optimal dose and “therapeutic efficiency”.

Recommendations for Americans

“Based on our research, we recommend that individuals at high risk of colorectal cancer monitor their vitamin D levels and, if necessary, receive a daily addition of vitamin D of 1000-4000 IU, especially for those with low vitamin D levels,” said study author Lead Dr. Monika Fekete, medical physician at Semmelweis University, told Fox News Digital.

“Optimal dosage should be adapted to the individual’s health status and current levels of vitamin D.”

For doctors, researchers suggest measuring and supplementing vitamin D levels for prevention and treatment purposes.

“Vitamin D plays a crucial role in the treatment and prevention of colorectal cancer, but further research is needed to determine the optimal dose and specific role of genetic factors,” fekete added.

“Molecular mechanisms of vitamin D – such as the regulation of oncogenes (mutated genes that can lead to cancer) and inhibiting tumor progression – require further scientific investigations.”

While the effect of vitamin D is closely linked to the patient’s condition, the doctor said, treatment recommendations should be personalized.

The main source of vitamin D is exposure to ultraviolet rays (UV).

It can also be obtained from dietary sources, according to ACS, including fatty fish and some mushrooms.

There are also some fortified foods with vitamin D, including milk, some orange juices and cereals, the above source said.

People can also take vitamin D supplements to increase their levels.

“Most Americans don’t get enough vitamin D in their diets, and many have low levels of vitamin D in their blood,” ACS said on its website.

“While the role of vitamin D in reducing the risk of cancer is still an active area of ​​research and debate, it is recommended to avoid low levels of vitamin D.”