Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that is essential for immune function, calcium absorption and nervous system function. It is found in foods such as salmon, dairy products and green leafy vegetables, and is available in supplement form. In addition, it can be synthesized in the skin from exposure to sunlight. Research indicates that vitamin D does not reduce the risk of prostate cancer, but might provide beneficial treatment for prostate cancer patients.
Aggressive Prostate Cancer
In research reported in the April 2008 issue of the "Journal of the National Cancer Institute," scientists from the National Cancer Institute, Fred Hutchinson Research Center and the University of Washington investigated the relationship between vitamin D levels in the body and the risk of prostate cancer. While they discovered no actual association between vitamin D levels and the risk of prostate cancer, the research suggests that higher vitamin D levels might increase the risk of aggressive prostate cancer.
Prostate Cancer Risk
Similar results were also seen in another study. Researchers from the University of Oxford in the United Kingdom explored the impact of vitamin D status on risk of prostate cancer. They reported in the May 2009 issue of the "American Journal of Epidemiology," that no significant association was found between vitamin D status and prostate cancer risk.
Treatment
Scientists from the University of Rochester Medical Center examined the impact of vitamin D on prostate cancer cells. They discovered that vitamin D significantly reduces the ability of prostate cancer cells to invade healthy cells by decreasing the activity of the enzymes matrix metalloproteinase and cathepsin. Although these results are promising, further research is needed, according to the Science Daily website.
Side Effects
Excess vitamin D might cause hypercalcemia, or high calcium blood levels. Hypercalcemia might cause vomiting, weight loss, excess urination, weakness and fatigue. Individuals with kidney disease, hyperparathyroidism and tuberculosis are at an increase risk of developing hypercalcemia, according to the Mayo Clinic website. Consult your health care provider before taking any vitamin D supplements.
References
- "Journal of the National Cancer Institute"; "Serum Vitamin D Concentration and Prostate Cancer Risk: A Nested Case--Control Study"; J. Ahn et al; April 2008
- "American Journal of Epidemiology"; "Serum Vitamin D and Risk of Prostate Cancer in a Case Control Analysis Nested With the European Prospective Investigation Into Cancer and Nutrition"; R.C. Travis et al; May 2009
- Science Daily: Vitamin D Inhibits Progression Of Some Prostate Cancers
- Mayo Clinic: Vitamin D Safety
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