Molecular basis of the potential of vitamin D to prevent cancer

Abstract

Research strongly supports the view that efforts to improve vitamin D status would have significant protective effects against the development of cancer. The clinical research community is currently revising recommendations for optimal serum levels and for sensible levels of sun exposure, to levels greater than previously thought. Currently, most experts in the field believe that intakes of between 1000 and 4000 IU will lead to a more healthy level of serum 25(OH)D, at approximately 75 nmol/L that will offer significant protection effects against cancers of the breast, colon, prostate, ovary, lungs, and pancreas. The first randomized trial has shown significant protection against breast cancer, and other clinical trials will follow and ultimately lead to improved public health policies and significantly fewer cancers.

Vitamin D: newly discovered actions require reconsideration of physiologic requirements

“…The list of malignant cells that express VDR is now quite extensive. 1,25(OH) 2 D stimulates the expression of cell cycle inhibitors p21 and p27 [68] and the expression of the cell adhesion molecule E-cadherin [69], while inhibiting transcriptional activity of β-catenin [69-71]. These actions would be expected to block proliferation of these cells.…”

Food intake, dietary patterns, and actinic keratoses of the skin: a longitudinal study

“…Retinol has been hypothesized to prevent skin cancer by decreasing cellular proliferation, enhancing cellular differentiation, and increasing epidermal thickness (11,30), although the results of human studies on retinol supplementation and skin cancer have been inconsistent (30). Similarly, vitamin D acts as a nuclear transcription factor that regulates cell growth, differentiation, and apoptosis (31). The level of wine consumption in the Nambour study population was generally low, and people with the highest third of wine consumption in the community sample drank moderate amounts in absolute terms: 2-3 glasses of white wine plus 1-2 glasses of red wine/wk.…”

Solar ultraviolet-B irradiance and vitamin D may reduce the risk of septicemia

“…52 Two recent papers reviewed the mechanisms whereby vitamin D reduces the risk of cancer. 53,54 Doseresponse relations have been estimated for cancer rates for males in the United States (1500 IU of vitamin D per day, 29% reduction) 44 and colorectal cancer (1500 IU/day, 50% reduction in incidence). 46 A recent study of breast cancer in Germany found an odds ratio of 0.31 (95% confidence interval (CI), 0.24-0.42), for those with serum 25(OH)D >30 ng/mL compared to those with serum 25(OH) D <12 ng/mL.…”