In a recent scientific study published by Nutrients, the results of a comprehensive analysis of 50 previous studies revealed a prominent role Vitamin D In reducing the risk of colon and rectal cancer, and even contributing to improving treatment opportunities.
The study was conducted on more than 1.3 million people, led by a research team from the University of Similis in Budapest, under the supervision of Dr. Yanos Tamas Varga.
How works vitamin D against cancer?
The researchers explained that vitamin D has several important biological effects that contribute to fighting cancer, including:
Reducing chronic infections that pave the development of tumors.
Promote the “programmatic cell death” process.
Slow the growth of tumors and prevent their spread.
Support the immune system in the face of cancer cells.
The results showed that patients who suffer from a decrease in the levels of this vitamin are worse compared to others, while the nutritional supplements that contain it may contribute to raising survival rates, especially in people with advanced stages of the disease.
Health benefits for vitamin D
The effect of vitamin D exceeds cancer prevention, as it includes its well -known health benefits:
Enhancing bone and dental health: by improving calcium absorption.
Strengthening the immune system: reducing the risk of infection and chronic diseases.
Supporting muscle function: especially in the elderly.
Reducing the risk of depression: by its positive effect on brain chemistry.
Help in preventing autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis.
Contribute to reducing chronic infections associated with many diseases.
Research challenges and the need for more studies
Despite the promising results, the researchers stressed the existence of some challenges, including the variations used in previous studies and the different conditions of the participants. Therefore, they called for additional research to determine the optimal dose and the appropriate treatment duration.
Dr. Monica Vicette, a assistant researcher, advised people who are at risk of colon and rectal cancer, to monitor the levels of vitamin D regularly, and take daily doses between 1000 and 4000 international units, taking into account the individual differences of each person.
Vitamin D sources
Exposure to sunlight is the main source of vitamin D, as well as food sources such as:
Fatty fish (such as salmon and sardines)
Some types of mushrooms
Milk and subsidized juices
Whole grains
In cases where it is difficult to obtain sufficient amounts of these sources, nutritional supplements remain an effective and safe option.
According to the American Cancer Society, vitamin D deficiency is common in a large number of population, which raises the importance of raising awareness of its benefits and the need to include it within routine medical examinations, especially in cases of chronic diseases or when there is a family history with cancer.
