Vitamin D supplements may cut lethal prostate cancer risk

By David Liu, PHD

Friday July 20, 2012 (foodconsumer.org) -- Taking vitamin D supplements may help cut risk of lethal  prostate cancer, according to a new study first published online on April 12, 2012 in Journal of the National Cancer Institute.

The study showed that men whose vitamin D levels were in the highest quartile were 57 percent less likely to suffer lethal prostate cancer, compared to those whose levels were in the lowest quartile.

For the study, Edward Giovannucci, one of the most well-known vitamin D researchers in the world and professor of Harvard School of Public Health and colleagues analyzed data from 1260 men who were diagnosed with prostate cancer after providing blood samples in 1993 to 1995 and 1331 control subjects.  During the 16-year follow-up, 113 deaths were identified.

Additionally, the researchers found 97 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in genomic regions that represent common genetic variation among seven vitamin D–related genes (CYP27A1, CYP2R1, CYP27B1, GC, CYP24A1, RXRA, and VDR) and the vitamin D-related genes were both associated with risk of lethal prostate cancer.

However, plasma 25(OH)D levels were not correlated with overall prostate cancer.

The researchers concluded "In this prospective study, plasma 25(OH)D levels and common variation among several vitamin D–related genes were associated with lethal prostate cancer risk, suggesting that vitamin D is relevant for lethal prostate cancer."

Men who work indoors and have no time for sun exposure, which otherwise leads to the desired production of vitamin D, should take vitamin D supplements.  But be certain that vitamin D supplements, particularly those in the form of tablets, should be free of fillers such as silica, additives, flavors or artificial colorants.  Vitamin D drops may be the best you can use.