Vitamin D Deficiency Linked to Advanced Cancers

A new study has identified a possible link between a variety of cancers and low levels of vitamin D. Data suggests that three-fourths of cancer patients suffer from vitamin D deficiency, and that the lowest levels are found in those with advanced cancers.

For the study, blood samples were collected from 160 male and female cancer patients, and their levels of vitamin D were measured. It was found 42% suffered from vitamin D insufficiency (defined as levels between 20 and 30 nanograms per milliliter (ng/mL) of blood), while 32% had vitamin D deficiency (with levels less than 20 ng/mL).

The average level of vitamin D was about 24 ng/mL, and those who lay below this level were almost three times more likely to have stage III cancer than those with higher vitamin D levels.

The discovery was presented at the 53rd Annual Meeting of the American Society for Radiation Oncology. The findings are currently being classed as ‘preliminary’ (that is, they have yet to be peer-reviewed and published in a medical journal).

Vitamin D can be gained through direct exposure to sunlight, and is also present in foods such as fatty fish, milk, and fortified cereals.

Researcher Thomas Churilla said the team behind the study administered high dosages of vitamin D to most patients studied, increasing levels to normal. It was too soon to tell whether or not this improved their outlook.

Previous research has shown vitamin D has anti-tumor properties, in that it regulates genes involved in the multiplication and spread of cancer cells.