Vitamin D3 is both a vitamin and hormone that’s synthesized in your skin from sunlight exposure. It’s also found in cold water fish such as salmon and cod. It plays a role in bone health, immune system support, mood improvement and neuromuscular function. Although vitamin D3 doesn’t reduce your risk for prostate cancer, it may be an effective treatment for those with prostate cancer.
Prostate
The prostate is a walnut-sized gland that makes up part of a man’s reproductive system. Its main job is to contribute seminal fluid to semen. Although it’s normal for your prostate to grow larger as you get older, if it becomes too big it may lead to health issues. One of the biggest issues regarding prostate health is prostate cancer, which in its earliest stages doesn’t produce symptoms. As the cancer progresses, symptoms such as trouble urinating and blood in your urine may appear, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Prostate Cancer Risk
Scientists at the University of Washington and the University of Alabama at Birmingham investigated the relationship between vitamin D status and prostate cancer risk. They reviewed the vitamin D status of prostate cancer patients and healthy participants. Researchers found that participants with higher vitamin D levels didn’t reduce their prostate cancer risk compared with those who had lower vitamin D levels. The findings were reported in the May 2008 issue of the “Journal of the National Cancer Institute.”
Treatment
Although vitamin D may not decrease your prostate cancer risk, it might help treat prostate cancer patients, according to "Science Daily." Researchers at the University of Rochester Medical Center discovered that vitamin D invades prostate cancer cells and inhibits the activity of the enzymes matrix metalloproteinase and cathepsin. This helps stop the spread of prostate cancer cells. Although these results are promising, further research is necessary.
Interactions
Vitamin D supplements may interact with several medications, from atorvastatin to calcium channel blockers, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Consult your health care provider before taking vitamin D supplements.
References
- Mayo Clinic; Prostate Cancer; June 2011
- "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
- Science Daily; Vitamin D Inhibits Progression Of Some Prostate Cancers; February 2006
- University of Maryland Medical Center; Vitamin D; 2011
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