A constant question that is bantered among people with prostate cancer is about the efficacy of vitamin D. Adding to the evidence that vitamin D is good for individuals with cancer is new research published by Paulette Chandler from the Brigham and Women's Hospital.
Her study found that vitamin D can reduce the risk of developing advanced cancer by 17%. When the research team looked at only participants with a normal body mass index (BMI), they found a 38% risk reduction of developing advanced cancer. This finding suggests that body mass may influence the relationship between vitamin D and decreased risk of developing advanced cancer.
It seems we now have one more reason to consume more foods high in vitamin D and to take vitamin D supplements, especially if you have localized cancer.
Foods High in Vitamin D Should Be A Part of Your Diet
Chandler's research study comes from her work on the Vitamin D and Omega-3 Trial (VITAL) study, a placebo-controlled study for more than five years. The VITAL study was designed to test the independent effects of vitamin D and Omega-3 supplements and test for synergy between the two.
Participants were divided into four groups: vitamin D plus Omega-3s, vitamin D plus placebo, Omega-3s plus placebo, and placebos for both. Primary endpoints were major adverse cardiovascular events and the incidence of cancer. VITAL did not find a statistical difference in overall cancer rates. Still, researchers did observe a reduction in cancer-related deaths.
In their secondary analysis, the research team followed up on the possible reduction in cancer deaths with an evaluation of advanced (metastatic or fatal) cancer among participants who did not take vitamin D supplements during the trial. They also examined the possible modifying effect of BMI.
Among the more than 25,000 participants in the VITAL study, 1,617 were diagnosed with invasive cancer over the next five years. Their analysis included a broad mix of cancers (breast, prostate, colorectal, lung, and others). Of the almost 13,000 participants who received vitamin D, 226 were diagnosed with advanced cancer compared to 274 who received the placebo. Of the 7,843 participants with a normal body mass index (BMI less than 25) taking vitamin D, only 58 were diagnosed with advanced cancer compared with 96 taking the placebo.
"Our findings, along with results from previous studies, support the ongoing evaluation of vitamin D supplementation for preventing metastatic cancer — a connection that is biologically plausible," said Chandler.
The take home message from this research is clear, both vitamin D and body mass are significant factors in the risk of developing metastatic cancer. Men with localized prostate cancer and anyone else with cancer still confined to the initial organ needs to monitor the vitamin D levels and weight (BMI). Vitamin D is best delivered in foods high in the vitamin, but it can also easily and inexpensively be supplemented. Discuss with your doctor having an occasional vitamin D blood test and control your BMI to lower your risk of developing advanced cancer.
