2023-08-10 15:54:00
Vitamin D May Reduce Cancer Mortality Rates, Study Finds
According to a recent study conducted by scientists at the German Cancer Research Center, regular intake of vitamin D3 may reduce the risk of dying from cancer by approximately twelve percent. The study, which aimed to investigate the potential benefits of vitamin D supplementation in preventing cancer development or improving the prognosis of cancer patients, found positive outcomes suggesting a link between vitamin D and decreased mortality rates.
The research team discovered indications that vitamin D plays a role in influencing pro-inflammatory signaling pathways. Inflammatory markers often correlate with a poor prognosis in cancer patients, specifically those with colon, breast, pancreas, liver, and prostate cancer. By counteracting pro-inflammatory processes, vitamin D may have a positive impact on the course of the disease, providing a potential avenue for improved treatment outcomes.
Personalized Vitamin D Treatment Shows Promise
The scientists evaluated eight studies investigating the effects of vitamin D treatment on various inflammatory markers. A total of 592 participants with cancer or precancerous lesions were randomly assigned to either a vitamin D group or a placebo group. The results showed significantly lower levels of the pro-inflammatory tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF alpha) in the participants who received vitamin D. Additionally, lower levels of interleukin 6 and CRP were observed under vitamin D treatment.
A current limitation of these studies is that all patients receive the same dose of vitamin D, regardless of their initial vitamin D levels. To maximize the potential benefits, lead researcher Hermann Brenner suggests a personalized vitamin D supplement tailored to individual needs. Brenner and his team are currently conducting a large-scale study with multiple clinics in Germany, aiming to explore the effects of personalized vitamin D treatment on the inflammatory process, quality of life, and prognosis for cancer patients. Initial results have already shown reliable compensation for vitamin D deficiency in patients undergoing personalized treatment.
Vitamin D Deficiency Common Among Population
In Germany, approximately one-third of the population has a vitamin D deficiency. The deficiency is determined by analyzing the serum concentration of vitamin D in the blood, with values between 20 and 50 nanograms per milliliter (ng/ml) considered a good vitamin D status by the Robert Koch Institute. The cancer researchers in this study established a target value of 30 ng/ml. The vitamin D level in the blood fluctuates depending on factors such as skin tanning and the season.
The German Society for Nutrition and the Robert Koch Institute recommend a daily intake of 20 micrograms, equivalent to 800 international units (IU), for adults. A value lower than this recommendation may negatively impact bone health. On the other hand, an excessively high value may indicate an overdose of vitamin D supplements as the vitamin is stored in the body.
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