Vitamin D is widely known for increasing bone health, muscle strength and immune function, but also has a variety of other benefits, including cancer prevention.
A new study published in the Magazine Nutrients suggests that common vitamin is effective in preventing and treating colorectal cancer.
Hungarian researchers carried out a meta -analysis or 50 previous 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.
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“The most important finding is that vitamin D plays a fundamental role in the prevention and treatment of colorectal cancer,” studio news, study author Tamás Varga, PHD, a associate professor at the University of Semmelweis in Budapest, told Fox News News News.
Vitamin D is widely known for increasing bone health, muscle strength and immune function, but also has a variety of other benefits, including cancer prevention. (Istock)
“Our research clearly supports the strong correlation between the levels of 25-hydroxivitamin D (the main form of vitamin D) and cancer results.”
Cancer patients with low vitamin D levels showed poorer forecasts.
It has been shown that vitamin D reduces inflammation, promotes the death of cancer cells, inhibits tumor growth and improves the immune response, the researchers found.
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“These mechanisms significantly influence the pathophysiology of colorectal cancer,” Varga said.
In addition to prevention, it was also demonstrated that supplementation with vitamin D improved survival rates between patients with advanced stage colorectal cancer, according to research.
“The results suggest that the effect of vitamin D can depend on factors such as dose, the individual condition of patients and the duration of treatment,” Vargas added.
The main source of vitamin D is exposure to ultraviolet rays (UV) of the sun. (Istock)
The American Cancer Society (ACS) has previously referred to studies that suggest that vitamin D could reduce the risk of cancer, partially colorectal cancer.
“However, large studies have not found that vitamin D supplements decrease the risk of colorectal polyps (precancerous growth) or cancer,” said the ACS on their website.
“The optimal dose should adapt to the individual’s health status and the current levels of vitamin D”.
An important limitation of the investigation is that the studies included in the analysis used different doses of vitamin D and involved patients in several stages of cancer, the authors pointed out.
They asked for more research to determine the optimal dose and “therapeutic efficacy”.
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“According to our research, we recommend that people with a high risk of colorectal cancer monitor their vitamin D levels and, if necessary, take a daily vitamin D supplement of 1000-4000 IU, especially for those with Dr. Dr. Monika Fekete, a medical doctor at the University of Semmelweis, Fox News Digital.
“The optimal dose should adapt to the individual’s health status and the current levels of vitamin D”.
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For doctors, researchers suggest that the measurement and supplement of vitamin D routinely for prevention and treatment purposes.
“Vitamin D plays a crucial role in the treatment and prevention of colorectal cancer, but more research is needed to determine the optimal dose and the specific role of genetic factors,” Fekete added.
An important limitation of the investigation is that the studies included in the analysis used different doses of vitamin D and involved patients in several stages of cancer, the authors pointed out. (Istock)
“The molecular mechanisms of vitamin D, such as the regulation of oncogenes (mutated genes that can lead to cancer) and the inhibition of tumor progression, require greater scientific research.”
As the effect of vitamin D is closely related to the patient’s condition, the doctor said, treatment recommendations should be customized.
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The main source of vitamin D is exposure to ultraviolet rays (UV) of the sun.
It can also be obtained from dietary sources, according to the ACS, including fatty fish and some fungi.
Some foods, including milk and some orange and cereal juices, are fortified with vitamin D. (Istock)
There are also some food fortified by vitamin D, which include milk, some orange juices and cereals, according to the previous source.
People can also take vitamin D supplements to increase their levels.
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“Most Americans do not get enough vitamin D in their diets, and many have low levels of vitamin D in their blood,” said the ACS on their website.
“While the role of vitamin D in the reduction of cancer risk remains an active area of research and debate, the low levels of vitamin D are recruited.”