Vitamin D as a possible support for cancer?

More than half of adults do not have optimal vitamin D levels

Studies from Germany have shown that just over half of adults have at least slightly below the threshold for an optimal vitamin D level in their blood. Because vitamin D levels depend primarily on direct sunlight on the skin, more people are affected in winter than in summer. "The body usually produces 80 to 90 percent of the vitamin itself in the skin - with the help of sunlight, or more precisely UVB radiation," explain experts from the Robert Koch Institute. "Diet only contributes a relatively small amount to vitamin D supply, with an estimated share of around 10% to 20%."

What are the consequences of a vitamin D deficiency in the human body?

A vitamin D deficiency can have various effects on the human body. Here are some of the most common consequences:

Weaker bones: Vitamin D plays a crucial role in the absorption of calcium and phosphate, which are important for building and maintaining strong bones. A deficiency in vitamin D can lead to reduced bone mineral density, which increases the risk of osteoporosis and bone fractures.
Muscle weakness: Vitamin D is also important for muscle health and function. A deficiency can lead to muscle weakness, muscle tremors and increased risk of falls.
Increased risk of disease: Vitamin D plays a role in regulating the immune system. A deficiency can lead to an increased susceptibility to infections, autoimmune diseases and chronic inflammation.
Mood problems: There is a link between low vitamin D levels and mood disorders such as depression, anxiety, and seasonal affective disorder (SAD).
Reduced cognition: Adequate vitamin D levels are important for cognitive function and memory. Deficiency may be associated with an increased risk of dementia and cognitive impairment.
Increased risk of chronic diseases: Chronic vitamin D deficiency has been linked to an increased risk of several chronic diseases, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, certain cancers, and autoimmune diseases.

It is important to note that these consequences are not exclusively due to a vitamin D deficiency and can depend on individual factors. If you suspect a vitamin D deficiency, it is advisable to consult a doctor, therapist or alternative practitioner and have a blood test done.

The renowned German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) in Heidelberg has made an important discovery: regular intake of vitamin D can reduce the mortality rate from cancer.

In Germany, around one in seven adults suffers from a significant vitamin D deficiency, which corresponds to around 15 percent of the population. In cancer patients in particular, vitamin D levels are often below the recommended threshold. A recent study found that 59 percent of colon cancer patients examined had too little vitamin D in their blood. These patients also had an unfavorable prognosis.

Conversely, the evaluation of 14 high-quality studies with a total of around 105,000 participants at the DKFZ showed that daily intake of vitamin D statistically increases the chances of survival in the case of cancer. The impressive result states that although vitamin D probably does not protect against cancer, it does reduce the likelihood of dying from it by around twelve percent, reports epidemiologist Ben Schöttker from the DKFZ.

The German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) is Germany's leading biomedical research facility in the fight against cancer. It employs more than 3,000 people and works closely with cancer specialists at university hospitals and other research institutions. Among other things, the DKFZ develops new methods for more precise diagnosis of tumors and more effective treatment of cancer patients. The DKFZ is funded 90 percent by the Federal Ministry of Research and 10 percent by the state of Baden-Württemberg. The DKFZ is a member of the Helmholtz Association of German Research Centers.

The analysis of the studies at the DKFZ has also shown that daily intake of vitamin D in low doses between 400 and 4000 international units is crucial for better chances of survival.

Most studies used doses between 800 and 2000 international units of vitamin D3 per day, explains Schöttker. In contrast, the rare administration of high single doses did not lead to a reduction in mortality. In these study groups, participants received between 60,000 and 120,000 international units of vitamin D3 once a month or less frequently.

To explain: International Units (IU) is a unit of measurement for the effect of medicinal substances, used for some vitamins, hormones, vaccines and antibiotics.

Further research is needed to find out why daily intake of vitamin D reduces cancer mortality. Scientists like Schöttker suspect a connection with the reactions of vitamin D in the body. Vitamin D produces a hormone called 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D, which may be able to inhibit tumor growth.