Here at Arthritis, Rheumatic & Bone Disease Associates, we treat a number of patients who suffer from osteoporosis or other conditions that feature a lack of bone density or bone quality. Many of these patients also have a Vitamin D deficiency.
So, when we saw a recent study examining the link between Vitamin D supplementation and cancer mortality, we naturally were intrigued.
Vitamin D is widely known for its critical role in bone health, but recent studies have uncovered an intriguing link between vitamin D levels and cancer mortality. Research suggests that adequate vitamin D supplementation may help reduce the risk of death in individuals with certain types of cancer.1
The Link Between Vitamin D and Cancer
Researchers representing esteemed institutions such as Harvard University and Brigham and Women’s Hospital looked at how Vitamin D could possibly play a role in the prevention of cancer incidence and cancer death. They found:
- An association between Vitamin D supplementation and a 13 percent reduction in cancer mortality after a follow-up period of 3 to 10 years.1
- Vitamin D deficiencies are quite common worldwide.1
- In keeping with Endocrine Society recommendations, adults may need to take in as much as 1500 to 2000 IU of Vitamin D per day to reverse or prevent a deficiency. This is a higher dose than commonly accepted recommendations.1
Other studies have shown that individuals with higher levels of vitamin D tend to have a lower risk of dying from certain types of cancer, including colorectal, breast, and prostate cancers.4 One theory is that vitamin D helps regulate cell growth and differentiation, which might slow the progression of malignant cells.5
Moreover, vitamin D’s anti-inflammatory properties could play a role in minimizing cancer risks. Chronic inflammation is linked to an increased risk of several cancers, and vitamin D may help counteract this by reducing inflammatory markers in the body.6
The Role of Vitamin D in Bone Health
Vitamin D plays an integral role in bone health by promoting calcium absorption. Without enough vitamin D, bones can become thin, brittle, or misshapen. Conditions like osteoporosis are directly linked to vitamin D deficiency.9
In cancer patients, maintaining bone health is especially crucial since some treatments, like chemotherapy and hormonal therapy, can weaken bones.10 Adequate vitamin D levels help maintain bone integrity and support the body’s ability to rebuild and repair damaged tissue.
Understanding Bone Density and Its Importance
Bone density refers to the amount of mineral content present in your bones, primarily calcium and phosphorus. Strong bone density is vital to preventing fractures and maintaining overall skeletal health. Unfortunately, as people age, bone density naturally decreases, making bones more fragile and prone to breaks.
Bone health becomes even more critical when dealing with chronic diseases or conditions that affect nutrient absorption. For instance, individuals with inflammatory diseases or those undergoing certain cancer treatments may experience reduced bone density, increasing the risk of fractures and related complications.10,11
Natural Sources of Vitamin D
As medical professionals devoted to bone health, we wholeheartedly support awareness of Vitamin D’s importance to our bodies. We know our patients can benefit from paying closer attention to the amount of Vitamin D they’re taking in — particularly those patients who don’t spend much time in the sun or have diets devoid of dairy.
As you might already know, Vitamin D is often called the “sunshine vitamin” because our bodies naturally produce it when exposed to sunlight. However, getting enough vitamin D through sun exposure alone can be challenging, especially in regions with limited sunlight during certain times of the year or for individuals with darker skin tones.
But Vitamin D also has an effect on the growth of cells, as well as on our immune and cardiovascular systems, and just spending a little time outdoors or drinking a glass of milk won’t provide your body with enough Vitamin D to keep you — and your bones — in tip-top condition as you age.2
Thankfully, there are numerous dietary sources of vitamin D that can help maintain healthy levels. Fatty fish such as salmon, mackerel, and sardines are excellent sources, as are fortified foods like milk, cereals, and orange juice. Including a variety of these foods in your diet can help support bone health.
Vitamin D Supplements: When and How to Use Them
While natural sources are beneficial, some individuals may need additional support through supplements. Those at higher risk of deficiency include:12
- Older adults aged 65+
- People with limited sun exposure
- Individuals with darker skin
- Those with conditions affecting vitamin D absorption, such as Crohn’s disease or celiac disease
When choosing a supplement, it’s essential to speak to your ARBDA doctor first and foremost. They can select a form that your body can easily absorb and recommend the appropriate dosage based on your blood levels and overall health.
Integrating Vitamin D Into Your Treatment Plan
Managing chronic health conditions often requires a multi-faceted approach, and vitamin D supplementation may play a significant role in the prevention or treatment of autoimmune diseases. Your healthcare provider will assess your vitamin D levels and help develop a strategy that aligns with your health goals.
Speak with an ARBDA Doctor About Your Bone Health
Your bone health is too important to ignore, especially if you’re managing a chronic condition or have concerns about cancer risk. At ARBDA, we take your health seriously and are here to help you make informed decisions. Our team of dedicated specialists can evaluate your vitamin D levels, assess your bone density, and develop a personalized plan to support your overall well-being.
Now, we’re learning more about a possible link between a lack of Vitamin D and cancer. While cancer death rates have declined over the last quarter-century, that certainly doesn’t mean we can let our guard down or not take the necessary steps to protect ourselves.3
We’re invested in protecting our patients. If you’re wondering if you suffer from a Vitamin D deficiency and it’s causing or exacerbating other health conditions, talk to your doctor. We’ll help you come up with an effective plan for getting more Vitamin D in your diet.
For more information or to schedule an appointment with our New Jersey rheumatologists, give us a call today.
1https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30796437
2https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18844838
3https://www.cancer.org/latest-news/facts-and-figures-2019.html
4https://ar.iiarjournals.org/content/40/1/491
5https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7563562/
6https://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/19/9/2736
7https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3440651/
8https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6032242/
9https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8396272/
10https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17110632/
11https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19443863/
12https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/15050-vitamin-d-vitamin-d-deficiency
