Can vitamin D help prevent colorectal cancer?

With colorectal cancer (CRC) cases rising among youngsters, research has been progressing on the potential role of vitamin D in preventing and treating CRC. Low vitamin D levels have long been linked to a higher risk of developing colorectal cancer.

 

Compared to those with higher levels of vitamin D, studies have shown that people with low blood levels of vitamin D had a 31 per cent greater risk of developing CRC. 

 

Data from the Nurses' Health Study showed that women with the highest vitamin D intake had a 58 per cent lower risk of developing CRC. 

 

A recent review of the study has highlighted vitamin D's promising role in preventing CRC. The review study underscores the complexity and contradictions in current research as well. 

 

Role of vitamin D 

 

Vitamin D primarily helps in the growth and development of bones and teeth. The body produces vitamin D naturally when it's directly exposed to sunlight. Some supplements are also taken to ensure adequate levels of vitamins in your blood. 

 

Maintaining adequate vitamin D levels helps in reducing the risk of multiple sclerosis, and heart disease chances, supports immune health and reduces the likelihood of severe illnesses among others. 

 

Preclinical studies have found that an active form of vitamin D can inhibit tumour blood vessel growth and regulate cell division, a key factor in cancer development. 

 

However, it is randomised controlled trials (RCTs), where participants are randomly assigned to different groups to test the effectiveness of a treatment, that is set as the gold standard by which treatments are judged. 

 

RCTs on vitamin D and CRC have produced mixed results. 

Therefore a conclusion has not been arrived on the promising link between vitamin D and colorectal cancer. 

 

Experts have called for more studies involving more participants in order to find a meaningful link between vitamin D and lower CRC risk.  

Health