A new study published in JCEM finds cancer patients who have higher levels of vitamin D when they are diagnosed tend to have better survival rates and remain in remission longer than patients who are vitamin D-deficient.
The body naturally produces vitamin D after exposure to sunlight and absorbs it from certain foods. In addition to helping the body absorb the calcium and phosphorus needed for healthy bones, vitamin D affects a variety of biological processes by binding to a protein called a vitamin D receptor. This receptor is present in nearly every cell in the body.
Sunlight: An Important Source of Vitamin D
Vitamin D is an essential vitamin necessary for the development of bones. Sunlight helps the body to produce vitamin D. Vitamin D deficiency results in rickets in children and osteomalacia in adults.
Advertisement
"By reviewing studies that collectively examined vitamin D levels in 17,332 cancer patients, our analysis demonstrated that vitamin D levels are linked to better outcomes in several types of cancer," said one of the study''s authors, Hui Wang, MD, PhD, Professor of the Institute for Nutritional Sciences at the Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences at the Chinese Academy of Sciences in Shanghai, China. "The results suggest vitamin D may influence the prognosis for people with breast cancer, colorectal cancer and lymphoma, in particular."
The meta-analysis looked at the results of 25 separate studies that measured vitamin D levels in cancer patients at the time of diagnosis and tracked survival rates. In most of the research, patients had their vitamin D levels tested before they underwent any treatment for cancer. The study found a 10 nmol/L increase in vitamin D levels was tied to a 4 percent increase in survival among people with cancer.
![Lifetime Risk Calculator for Cancers]( "Lifetime Risk Calculator for Cancers")
What are your chances for developing some common cancers in your lifetime - find out now.
Researchers found the strongest link between vitamin D levels and survival in breast cancer, lymphoma and colorectal cancer. There was less evidence of a connection in people with lung cancer, gastric cancer, prostate cancer, leukemia, melanoma or Merkel cell carcinoma, but the available data were positive.
"Considering that vitamin D deficiency is a widespread issue all over the world, it is important to ensure that everyone has sufficient levels of this important nutrient," Wang said. "Physicians need to pay close attention to vitamin D levels in people who have been diagnosed with cancer."
Other authors of the study include: Mian Li, Peizhan Chen, Jingquan Li, Ruiai Chu and Dong Xie of the Institute for Nutritional Sciences at the Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences.
The study, "The Impacts of Circulating 25-Hydroxyvitamin D Levels on Cancer Patient Outcomes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis," is scheduled to appear in the July issue of JCEM.
Source: Newswise
Lifetime Risk Calculator for Cancers
What are your chances for developing some common cancers in your lifetime - find out now.
Advertisement
Researchers found the strongest link between vitamin D levels and survival in breast cancer, lymphoma and colorectal cancer. There was less evidence of a connection in people with lung cancer, gastric cancer, prostate cancer, leukemia, melanoma or Merkel cell carcinoma, but the available data were positive.
"Considering that vitamin D deficiency is a widespread issue all over the world, it is important to ensure that everyone has sufficient levels of this important nutrient," Wang said. "Physicians need to pay close attention to vitamin D levels in people who have been diagnosed with cancer."
Other authors of the study include: Mian Li, Peizhan Chen, Jingquan Li, Ruiai Chu and Dong Xie of the Institute for Nutritional Sciences at the Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences.
The study, "The Impacts of Circulating 25-Hydroxyvitamin D Levels on Cancer Patient Outcomes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis," is scheduled to appear in the July issue of JCEM.
Source: Newswise
Mechanism of Cancer Caused by Loss of BRCA1 and BRCA2 Gene Function Identified
The most frequent contributors to hereditary cancer risk in human population so far are the inherited mutations in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 tumor suppressor genes.
Advertisement
 Little Effect on the Risk of Falls Among Older People With Intake of Vitamin D SupplementsNo evidence has been observed to back up the theory that vitamin D supplements prevent falls among older people as suggested by researchers. | Advertisement
|
Advertisement
Recommended Reading
Latest Cancer News
Providing a sustained supply of hydrogen sulfide to cancer cells, could be a remodeling strategy to improve photothermal therapy efficacy while minimizing side effects.
Colon cancer's hidden link revealed in microbiome study.
Breast cancer patients in the obese or overweight category can greatly benefit from a telephone-based weight management program in achieving significant weight loss.
A new study assessed the association of cigarette smoking and vaping on cancer-related symptom burden (fatigue, pain, emotional problems) and quality of life.
Scientists are making strides in personalized breast cancer therapy by developing a highly accurate molecular classifier test for breast cancer patients.