19 June 2010
Higher blood levels of vitamin D may not reduce the risk of developing rarer cancers, reports a new US study.
In the study, data based on blood samples originally drawn for ten individual trials were combined to investigate whether people with high levels of vitamin D were less likely to develop rarer cancers such as non-Hodgkin lymphoma or cancer of the endometrium, esophagus, stomach, kidney, ovary, or pancreas (1). Over 12,000 men and women from the United States, Finland, and China participating in one of the studies were followed for the development of cancer for up to 33 years, depending on the study. Investigators then compared cancer rates in participants whose levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) in stored blood were high (above 75 nanomoles per liter) or low (less than 25 nmol/L) with rates in participants whose levels of vitamin D were within the normal range (50 to 75 nmol/L). The results showed no lower cancer risk in persons with high vitamin D blood concentrations compared to normal concentrations for any of the cancers, and no higher cancer risk for participants with low levels.
Experts commented that these results are not surprising as cancer is a multifactorial disease and vitamin D is not a magic bullet for preventing cancer development. While vitamin D is essential for healthy bones, calcium absorption, and immune function, the evidence that higher levels of vitamin D are associated with a lower risk of cancer is inconsistent.
As in other studies, individuals with higher vitamin D levels were more likely to be male, lean, and physically active. Those with higher levels also reported greater intake of multivitamins, calcium supplements, and foods rich in vitamin D. Many people around the world have low concentrations of 25(OH)D.
14 December 2011
A new UK study suggests that supplementation with vitamin D or calcium may have no impact on the chances of dying from cancer or vascular disease among seniors with a high risk of bone fractures. The researchers concede, however, that the study has weaknesses.
1 March 2014
Aging is a complex biological phenomenon in which the deficiency of the nutritional state combined with the presence of chronic inflammation and oxidative stress contribute to the development of many age-related diseases.
30 March 2016
Oxidative stress is a cellular or physiological condition involving elevated concentrations of free radicals (reactive oxygen species) that cause molecular damage to vital structures and functions, which has been associated with the development of several disorders including atherosclerosis, cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes complications, macular degeneration and arthritis.
