vitamin D and cancer conundrum

Posted by Chantel M. Contributed by US National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health


According to the study of "The vitamin D and cancer conundrum: aiming at a moving target" by Toner CD, Davis CD, Milner JA., posted in US National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health, researchers found that some individuals may be adversely affected by elevated 25(OH)D concentrations with respect to risk of cancers of the prostate, breast, pancreas, and esophagus, and in some cases a U- or J-shaped association has been suggested. Future research should seek to clarify if and for whom there may be an increased risk for cancer at particular sites with high 25(OH)D concentrations, and the concentrations at which risk increases. Fundamentally, prospective longitudinal studies of these relationships are warranted. The health status, life stage, adiposity, estrogen exposure, and nutritional status of study participants should be taken into account. Continued investigation is necessary to ensure that vitamin D recommendations are appropriately targeted to individuals who stand to benefit most, while protecting vulnerable subgroups from risk of overexposure.