New Theory on Cancer: Vitamin D Is a Key Player in Prevention

July 29, 2009

Posted by Carey Rossi

When it comes to keeping cancer away the sunshine vitamin may be the shield we need, according to the results of a recent study published in the Annals of Epidemiology.

While studying the chemopreventive effects of vitamin D, researchers at the Moores Cancer Center at the University of California, San Diego, stumbled upon what can be termed “a new model of cancer development.” Their findings suggest that if cancer cells are not able to “stick together,” they cannot proliferate. This differs substantially from the current understanding of how cancer develops — which is basically that genetic mutations are the earliest driving forces behind cancer.

“The first event in cancer is loss of communication among cells due to, among other things, low vitamin D and calcium levels,” said epidemiologist Cedric Garland, DrPH, professor of family and preventive medicine at the UC San Diego School of Medicine, in a prepared statement.

“In this new model, we propose that this loss may play a key role in cancer by disrupting the communication between cells that is essential to healthy cell turnover, allowing more aggressive cancer cells to take over.”

He also said that previous theories linking vitamin D to certain cancers have been tested and confirmed in more than 200 epidemiological studies, and understanding of its physiological basis stems from more than 2,500 laboratory studies. While there is not yet definitive scientific proof, Garland suggests that much of the evolutionary process in cancer could be arrested at the outset by maintaining vitamin D adequacy. “Vitamin D may halt the first stage of the cancer process by re-establishing intercellular junctions in malignancies having an intact vitamin D receptor,” he said.

“Vitamin D levels can be increased by modest supplementation with vitamin D3 in the range of 2,000 IU/day,” he noted. (University of California – San Diego (2009, May 26). New Model Of Cancer Development: Low Vitamin D Levels May Have Role. ScienceDaily. Retrieved July 11, 2009, from http://www.sciencedaily.com /releases/2009/05/090522081212.htm.)

The Anti-Aging Bottom Line: Vitamin D deficiency has reached epidemic proportions in the U.S., and research has shown that you may need more vitamin D than was previously recommended to prevent symptoms of deficiency. Don’t let low vitamin D levels put you a greater risk for cancer. Get at least 1,000 IU of supplemental vitamin D daily, and get your blood levels checked. You may need higher amounts in the case that you are deficient. Visit the Vitamin D Council to learn more.