Is Vitamin D Good for People with Colorectal Cancer?

Vitamin D shows promise as a complementary therapy for cancers of the bowel, but more research is needed to investigate whether it can also lower cancer risk.

Colorectal cancer, also known as bowel cancer, begins in your colon or rectum. It’s one of the most common and serious types of cancer. According to the World Health Organization, colorectal cancer accounts for about 10% of all cancer cases and is the second most common cause of cancer-related deaths.

Traditional treatment methods for colorectal cancer include:

• surgery
• ablation and embolization
• chemotherapy
• radiation therapy
• immunotherapy
• targeted therapy

Despite significant breakthroughs in treatment in recent years, colorectal cancer remains one of the deadliest cancers. This has prompted researchers to look into other ways that people with colorectal cancer may be able to extend their lifespan. One promising option is vitamin D.

In this article, we’ll explore the potential benefits of vitamin D for people with colorectal cancer, including its role in treating and preventing this cancer.

Can vitamin D help treat colorectal cancer?

Research on vitamin D and its effects on colorectal cancer and other cancers is growing.

Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin found in certain foods . Our bodies also produce vitamin D when exposed to sunlight. This molecule plays an important role in many bodily functions, such as:

• bone health
• nerve and muscle cell function
• immune system regulation

But can it help treat colorectal cancer?

To answer this question, scientists first focused on studies in animals. They found that increasing vitamin D levels could lead to longer survival in mice with colorectal cancer. This intriguing research prompted an investigation of the molecule in humans.

Only a few studies on the role of vitamin D in people with colorectal cancer have been completed to date, but they’ve had encouraging results.

Researchers have found that, similarly to the results in mice, higher levels of vitamin D can delay the progression of metastatic colorectal cancer (cancer that has spread to other parts of the body) and improve the survival of people with this condition.

In a phase 2 clinical trial called “SUNSHINE,” 139 people took vitamin D supplements in addition to receiving chemotherapy treatment.

A subsequent analysis of the SUNSHINE trial and 4 other clinical trials involving 815 people with colorectal cancer found that vitamin D had a beneficial effect on progression-free survival (the amount of time people live without cancer worsening or spreading).

Scientists don’t fully understand how vitamin D might help people with colorectal cancer. But some researchers believe that the vitamin’s anticancer properties may arise from its ability to regulate cell growth, promote cell differentiation, and induce apoptosis (programmed cell death) in cancer cells.

Can vitamin D help prevent or lower the risk of colorectal cancer?

When taken together with conventional treatments for colorectal cancer, such as chemotherapy, vitamin D may help extend your lifespan. But does it have any role in preventing this cancer altogether? Research in this area has yielded mixed results.

A 2006 clinical trial that included more than 36,000 postmenopausal women in the United States did not find an effect of taking vitamin D on the subsequent development of colorectal cancer. These results were replicated in a trial published in 2019 that included more than 25,000 men and women.

But some other research, such as a review published in 2022 , does suggest that taking vitamin D supplements might lower the risk of colorectal cancer. Further research is needed to find out whether vitamin D reduces the risk of this disease.

Which other vitamins have anticancer properties?

Vitamin D may not be the only vitamin with potential anticancer properties. Researchers have studied other vitamins for their possible roles in cancer prevention and treatment:

• Vitamin C: Known for its immune-boosting properties, vitamin C has been studied for its potential to inhibit cancer cell growth. However, there is no conclusive evidence that this antioxidant can lower the risk of cancer or help treat it.
• Vitamin E: Like vitamin C, vitamin E is an antioxidant, which means it helps protect cells from damage caused by unstable molecules called free radicals. Some studies suggest that vitamin E may help reduce the risk of certain cancers, but other studies have shown the opposite effect, suggesting that both vitamins C and E can boost cancer growth.
• Folate (Vitamin B9): Folate is essential for DNA synthesis. As with the other two vitamins, there is no consensus on whether taking folate helps or harms cancer prevention and treatment.

For what other types of cancer has vitamin D shown potential?

Vitamin D intake may not only affect colorectal cancer. Research suggests that vitamin D may have protective effects against bladder cancer .

In contrast, results of a 2019 review of studies and another 2018 study suggest that high vitamin D levels may be harmful for people with prostate and pancreatic cancers.

How much vitamin D should you take, and how do you take it?

The recommended daily dosage of vitamin D varies depending on your age, your sex, and whether you have any health conditions, such as colorectal cancer.

It’s important to talk with a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement regimen. They can help determine the appropriate dose for your individual needs and monitor your vitamin D levels to ensure they’re within a healthy range.

You can get vitamin D through sun exposure, foods, and supplements.

Foods rich in vitamin D include fatty fish, fortified dairy products, and egg yolks.

Supplements are available in two forms: vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol) and vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol). Vitamin D3 is the more effective form for increasing blood levels of vitamin D.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not closely regulate vitamins and supplements. As a result. these products may contain ingredients that are not listed on their labels, or the labels may list inaccurate ingredient amounts. This is another reason it’s important to talk with a doctor before using supplements.

Frequently asked questions about vitamin D and colorectal cancer

Let’s discuss a few questions that many people ask their doctors about the link between vitamin D and colorectal cancer.

Can vitamin D deficiency be a sign of cancer?

Vitamin D deficiency is common and can result from various factors, such as limited sun exposure and low dietary intake. It’s not typically a sign of cancer.

Can vitamin D reduce polyps?

Some studies suggest that vitamin D may help reduce the formation of colorectal polyps, but other studies have not confirmed this link.

Is vitamin D good for the colon?

Vitamin D is beneficial for your colon. It helps regulate cell growth, reduce inflammation, and maintain immune system health.

Takeaway

Vitamin D shows promise as a complementary (additional) therapy for colorectal cancer, but more research is needed to investigate whether it can lower the risk of this cancer.

Maintaining adequate vitamin D levels is crucial whether you have cancer or not. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting a new supplement regimen to ensure that it’s safe and appropriate for your individual health needs.