Trending:

Alert! Vitamin D Deficiency May Increase Cancer Risk; Know Ways To Replenish It Naturally

Even though not a direct cause, a lack of vitamin D is thought to play an important role in the onset and development of certain types of cancer, according to various studies. Read on to know how and ways to replenish more vitamin D in your body through natural sources.

TN Health Desk

Updated Apr 28, 2024, 10:49 IST

Vitamin D deficiency can increase the risk of several types of cancer, which include ovarian, breast, colon, and multiple myelomas

Vitamin D deficiency is among the most common nutrient shortages people across the world have. Doctors say it usually affects people over the age of 65 and those with darker skin but can happen to anyone.

Vitamin D deficiency is estimated to affect 13 per cent of the world’s population.

Being a major fat-soluble vitamin, it helps to absorb calcium, which is needed for the smooth functioning of the body. Signs of vitamin D deficiency include bone and joint pain, fractures, osteoporosis, muscle cramps, fatigue, mood changes, and fatigue.

According to various studies, deficiency of this vitamin can increase the risk of several types of cancer, which include ovarian, breast, colon, and multiple myelomas.

How does a lack of vitamin D lead to cancer?

Research has said taking vitamin D3 and calcium does not lower the overall chances of getting cancer in healthy women after menopause.

A few other studies have also suggested that vitamin D does not seem to lower the odds for several kinds of cancer, including stomach cancer, prostate cancer, and cancer of the esophagus.

The underlying mechanism involves the action of vitamin D through the vitamin D receptor, which not only plays a role in maintaining calcium levels and hemostasis but also exerts a crucial influence on reducing cell proliferation, metastasis, and angiogenesis.

According to experts, vitamin D plays a pivotal role in impeding the rapid division of cancer cells, thereby slowing down their growth. Also, it mitigates the spread of cancer and the growth of new cells.

Doctors say this vitamin not only takes care of your bones but also helps in the process of repairing defective genes formed, by a process called MMR which requires the presence of the active form of vitamin D to function properly.

And so, if the defective genes are formed due to interference of MMR Mechanisms, it can lead to cancer.

Even though the link between vitamin D deficiency and cancer is complex and research is ongoing, there is mounting evidence that maintaining optimal vitamin D levels is crucial to lowering the risk of cancer.

How to increase vitamin D levels naturally?

According to experts, you can get more amount of this vitamin by increasing your time in the sunlight and consuming certain foods, which include mushrooms.

Also, consuming fatty fish and seafood, which are among the richest natural food sources of vitamin D should be considered.

According to experts, a 100-gram serving of canned salmon provides up to 386 IU of vitamin D, which is about 50 per cent of the RDI.

Other kinds of fish and seafood rich in vitamin D include:

Tuna
Mackerel
Oysters
Shrimp

Egg yolks are also one of the best sources of vitamin D that you can easily add to your routine. Like many other natural food sources, yolks have variable vitamin D content.

Fortified foods like cow’s milk, orange juice, tofu, cereals, and yogurt are also the best ways to increase this vitamin in your body.

How much vitamin D do you need?

According to the U.S. National Academy of Medicine, 600–800 IU of daily vitamin D should be sufficient for the majority of the population.

Even though toxicity is rare, it is best to avoid long-term vitamin D doses over 4,000 IU without supervision from a qualified healthcare professional.

Latest News