Vitamin D is widely known for enhancing bone health, muscle strength and immune function, but there are a number of other benefits – including the prevention of cancer.
A new study published in the Journal Nutrients suggests that ordinary vitamin is effective in preventing and treating colorectal cancer.
Hungarian researchers have conducted a meta-analysis of 50 previous studies that include more than 1.3 million participants, focusing on the potential 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 critical role in the prevention and treatment of colorectal cancer,” studied author Janos Tamas Varga, Assistant Professor at Semmelweis University in Budapest, told Fox News Digital.
Vitamin D is widely known for enhancing bone health, muscle strength and immune function, but there are a number of other benefits – including the prevention of cancer.
“Our study clearly supports the strong correlation between 25-hydroxyvitamin D (the main form of vitamin D levels) and the results of cancer.”
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Vitamin D has been shown to reduce inflammation, promote the death of cancer cells, inhibits tumor growth and increases the immune response, researchers have found.
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“These mechanisms significantly affect the pathophysiology of colorectal cancer,” Varga noted.
In addition to the prevention, it is also shown that the supplement of vitamin D improves survival rate among patients with colorectal stage cancer, according to the study.
“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.
The main source of vitamin D is exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays.
The American Cancer Combat Society (ACS) has previously referred to studies that suggest that vitamin D may reduce the risk of cancer, more special colorectal cancer.
“However, major studies have not found that vitamin D supplements reduce the risk of colorectal polyps (precancerous outgrowths) or cancer,” ACS told its website.
An important restriction of the study is that the studies involved in the analysis have used different dosages of vitamin D and include patients at different stages of cancer, the authors say.
They called for more studies to determine the exact optimal dose and “therapeutic efficacy”.
“Based on our studies, we recommend that people with a high risk of colorectal cancer will monitor the levels of vitamin D and, if necessary, take a daily supplement for vitamin D of 1000-4000 IU, especially for those with low levels of vitamin D,” said the lead author of the study Dr. Monica Fewet.
“The optimal dose should be tailored to the health of the individual and the current levels of vitamin D.”
For doctors, researchers offer routine measurement and supplementation of vitamin D levels for both prevention and treatment.
“Vitamin D plays a crucial role in the treatment and prevention of colorectal cancer, but additional studies are needed to determine the optimal dose and the specific role of genetic factors,” added Fekket.
An important restriction of the study is that the studies involved in the analysis have used different dosages of vitamin D and include patients at different stages of cancer, the authors say.
“The molecular mechanisms of vitamin D – such as the regulation of oncogenes (mutated genes that can lead to cancer) and inhibition of tumor progression – require additional scientific study.”
Because 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 the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays.
According to ACS, it can also be obtained from dietary sources, including greasy fish and some mushrooms.
Some foods, including milk and some orange juices and cereals, are strengthened with Vitamin D.
There are also some foods with vitamin D, including milk, some orange juices and cereals, according to the above source.
People can also take vitamin D supplements to raise their levels.
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“Most Americans don’t get enough vitamin D in their diets. Many have low levels of vitamin D in their blood,” ACS told their website.
“While the role of vitamin D in the reduction in the risk of cancer is still an active area of research and debate, it is recommended to avoid low levels of vitamin D.
Original article source: Risk of colorectal cancer reduced by this general vitamin, suggests a study