Vitamin D, made in the skin from sunlight and found in foods such as egg yolks, dairy products, fish and cod liver oil, helps your body absorb calcium. Strong bones and adequate intake of vitamin D and calcium will help you prevent the development of osteomalacia, or softening of the bones. Research indicates that vitamin D might also play a role in cancer prevention.
Lung Cancer
Researchers from the National Public Health Institute in Finland explored the relationship between vitamin D status and the risk of lung cancer. They reported in the November 2008 issue of the journal "Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers and Prevention" that women and young participants with higher vitamin D levels had a lower risk of lung cancer risk. However, these effects were not seen in men and older adults.
Colorectal Cancer
In research reported in the March 2011 issue of the "International Journal of Cancer," researchers from the European Institute of Oncology in Italy performed a review of the clinical studies regarding vitamin D levels and risk of colorectal, breast and prostate cancers. They concluded that higher levels of vitamin D were associated with a decreased risk for colorectal cancer, but not for breast or prostate cancer.
Pancreatic Cancer
Scientists from Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School in Massachusetts investigated the effects of vitamin D status on pancreatic cancer risk. They reported in the April 2010 issue of the "British Journal of Cancer" that higher levels of vitamin D were associated with a significant decrease in pancreatic cancer compared to the occurrence in those with lower vitamin D levels.
Side Effects and Interactions
Insufficient levels of vitamin D can cause bone loss, high calcium levels and kidney stones. However, vitamin D may interact with certain medications, including phenytoin, fosphenytoin, rifampin and carbamazepine. Consult your health care provider before taking any vitamin D supplements, especially if you are taking prescription medications.
References
- "Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers and Prevention"; Vitamin D Status and the Risk of Lung Cancer: a Cohort Study in Finland; Kilkkinen A, et al; November 2008
- "International Journal of Cancer"; Meta-Analysis of Observational Studies of Serum 25-Hydroxyvitamin D Levels and Colorectal, Breast and Prostate Cancer and Colorectal Adenoma; S. Gandini, et al.; March 2011
- "British Journal of Cancer"; Predicted Vitamin D Status and Pancreatic Cancer Risk in Two Prospective Cohort Studies; Y. Bao, et al.; April 2010
- Linus Pauling Institute: Vitamin D
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