Low intake of vitamin D may promote colorectal cancer

All about Vitamin D

Vitamin D is also referred to as sunshine Vitamin. It is a group of fat-soluble prohormones. It cannot be produced naturally in our body, and we have to consume Vitamin D through our diets.

However, Vitamin D is synthesized in our body through sunlight, which penetrates our skin when we are exposed to the sun. All cells in our body are affected by the prohormone. Vitamin D is essential for strong bone health, as well as for the absorption of calcium.

Vitamins are soluble, or dissolvable, in fat or water, they are of two types:

• Fat-soluble vitamins: Vitamin A, D, E, and K
• Water-soluble vitamins: Vitamin C and all the B vitamins

Vitamin D has numerous functions-

Helps in calcium absorption

Children and adults require a certain amount of vitamin D in their blood. It is important for strong teeth and healthy bones. It helps the body in calcium absorption and helps regulate phosphate and calcium levels.

Muscle Function

Increasing the amount of vitamin D helps to reduce inflammation, pain while increasing muscle protein, strength and physical activities.

Healthy Brain function

Vitamin D is essential for the stable functioning of the brain; it maintains blood vessels in our body.

Strong Immunity

Appropriate consumption of vitamin D helps in improving our immunity.

Vitamin D’s Anti-cancer Properties

Studies recently have proved consuming a higher intake of Vitamin D in our dietary sources may protect against colorectal cancer. Beneficial effects of vitamin D in cancer prevention and treatment, observed in preclinical studies, explained its anticancer effects. Data suggest that Vitamin D can regulate the entire process of tumorigenesis. It has several properties to slow down the growth of cancer. Vitamin D mechanisms include regulation of cell proliferation, apoptosis and reducing tumour blood vessels.  

Risk of vitamin D deficiency

Osteomalacia: It is a bone disease in adult’s leads to fracture and spinal deformities due to vitamin D deficiency, often not getting enough sunlight.

In children, the deficiency can lead to rickets, which leads to weakening and softening of the structure of the bones.

Osteoporosis: Due to deficiency of vitamin D, it causes bones to become weak and brittle.

Progression of Colorectal cancer

The survivors are at risk of having low Vitamin D levels. Chemotherapy used to treat cancer leads to drop in Vitamin D levels in the body. As colorectal cancer generally affects the elderly population, they are more prone to develop Vitamin D deficiencies during and after treatment.

How to reduce the risk of cancer with Vitamin D?

Understanding the importance of vitamin D and the risks involved, you have to maintain sufficient levels of the vitamin in your bloodstream, and one can consume supplements and a nutritious diet. Consult a dietitian on The Wellness Corner to get a vitamin D rich, balanced meal chart.

Food products like fatty fish such as salmon, trout, swordfish, and tuna. Eggs and mushrooms also contain small amounts of vitamin D. Orange juice, and cereal can have vitamin D. Milk, along with some other dairy products like cheese, cod liver oil, sunflower oil are rich sources of vitamin D.

Vitamin D3 (also known as Cholecalciferol) and vitamin D2 (known as Ergocalciferol) supplements help maintain vitamin D levels in your bloodstream. For more details, you can get in touch with our subject experts at Truworth Health Technologies.