High levels of vitamin D linked to reduced risk of colon cancer

High blood levels of vitamin D are associated with reduced risk of colon cancer, according to a comparative study on more than half a million Europeans, published Friday by the British Medical Journal (BMJ)

Individuals with high blood levels of vitamin D have risk of colorectal cancer by almost 40% lower than those with the lower levels.

This vitamin, which is manufactured by the body while being exposed to the Sun, but can also come from food, plays a role in bone strength by promoting the binding of calcium.

Some previous studies have suggested a link between vitamin D and colorectal cancer.

The study has been conducted starting from 1992 to 1998, based on the EPIC project (for European Prospective Investigation into Cancer) involving over 520,000 people from ten countries in Western Europe (Denmark, France, Greece, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Sweden and United Kingdom).

During follow-up of the participants, 1248 cases of colorectal cancer were diagnosed and compared to an equivalent number of healthy subjects.

It remains unclear whether high concentration of vitamin D in the blood through dietary supplements or foods fortified with vitamin D is better than a balanced diet combined with regular and moderate exposure to sunlight.

The results of previous tests have failed to answer the question. Also, before recommending to take supplements, further tests must be conducted to assess whether increased blood levels of vitamin D can actually reduce the risk of cancer without causing serious side effects.

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