What is Vitamin D? Vitamin D is an important nutrient for the immune system, muscle health and cell growth in general. The vitamin may also slow the progression of prostate cancer. Some studies suggest that adequate levels of vitamin D may reduce the risk or severity of prostate cancer. However, the evidence is still inconclusive. The potential of vitamin D to disrupt cancer growth is well documented, but the role of vitamin D supplementation in the treatment of prostate cancer remains controversial. Some studies have shown that high doses of vitamin D may improve prostate cancer treatment outcomes, while other studies have found no such link. Vitamin D should not be used to replace standard treatments for prostate cancer. Can Vitamin D Help Prostate Cancer? The body breaks down vitamin D into the compound calcitriol. Several studies suggest that calcitriol may slow the growth of cancers, including prostate cancer. However, many of these studies have been performed on cancer cells in the laboratory or in animals, not in the human body. Vitamin D also plays an important role in immune function. Vitamin D deficiency can increase inflammation, which is a risk factor for the development of many diseases, including cancer. Research on the specific benefits of taking vitamin D for the treatment or prevention of prostate cancer has produced mixed results. A 2017 study found lower blood levels of the vitamin in men with prostate cancer. The study also found that prostate cancer was more severe in patients with the lowest levels of vitamin D and found a link between low levels of the vitamin and higher levels of inflammation in men with prostate cancer. This shows the potential role of vitamin D in preventing or slowing the growth of cancer, but does not show whether supplementation with the vitamin positively affects the disease. However, some earlier studies have found that vitamin D intake correlates with lower prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels. PSA is a protein that is produced by prostate cells, and its elevated levels can indicate the possible presence of prostate cancer. A 2018 review of seven studies tracked the relationship between blood vitamin D levels and prognosis in prostate cancer. Higher serum vitamin D levels are associated with a reduced risk of fatal outcome in men with prostate cancer. Some of the studies in this review included patients taking vitamin D supplements, increasing blood levels of the vitamin. This shows that taking the vitamin can help reduce the risk of dying from prostate cancer. However, more research is needed to confirm this thesis. A 2019 review of 22 studies found a relationship between vitamin D levels and PSA levels in response to treatment. This review has shown that vitamin D,synthesized naturally by the sun, may reduce the risk of prostate cancer. However, the conclusions are not yet completely conclusive. Conflicting findings from different studies prevent firm conclusions about the benefits of vitamin D for individuals with prostate cancer. However, there is evidence that vitamin D may help men with prostate cancer undergoing hormone therapy, which can reduce bone mineral density. Vitamin D and calcium together help reduce the risk of osteoporosis and bone fractures. What are the sources of vitamin D? Natural sunlight is an extremely accessible source of vitamin D. Between 5�30 minutes of sun exposure during the brightest hours can provide enough vitamin D. However, too much sun exposure can increase the risk of skin cancer. Some other sources of vitamin D include: Fortified dairy products; Orange juice; Enriched cereals; Beef liver and egg yolks; Nuts and seeds. Dietary supplements can also increase vitamin D levels. The recommended daily intake of vitamin D for men aged 50-70 is 15 micrograms (mcg) or 600 international units (IU). The recommended intake for men over 70 is 20 mcg or 800 IU. References: 1. PubMed. Hollis BW, et al. (2012). Vitamin D3 supplementation, low-risk prostate cancer, and health disparities 2. National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). Leslie, SW, et al. (2021). Prostate cancer 3. National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). Trump, DL, et al. (2018). Vitamin D in prostate cancer 4. National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). Xie, D.-D., et al. (2017). Low vitamin D status is associated with inflammation in patients with prostate cancer 5. Medical News Today. Vitamin D and prostate cancer: Is there a link?The recommended daily intake of vitamin D for men aged 50-70 is 15 micrograms (mcg) or 600 international units (IU). The recommended intake for men over 70 is 20 mcg or 800 IU. References: 1. PubMed. Hollis BW, et al. (2012). Vitamin D3 supplementation, low-risk prostate cancer, and health disparities 2. National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). Leslie, SW, et al. (2021). Prostate cancer 3. National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). Trump, DL, et al. (2018). Vitamin D in prostate cancer 4. National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). Xie, D.-D., et al. (2017). Low vitamin D status is associated with inflammation in patients with prostate cancer 5. Medical News Today. Vitamin D and prostate cancer: Is there a link?The recommended daily intake of vitamin D for men aged 50-70 is 15 micrograms (mcg) or 600 international units (IU). The recommended intake for men over 70 is 20 mcg or 800 IU. References: 1. PubMed. Hollis BW, et al. (2012). Vitamin D3 supplementation, low-risk prostate cancer, and health disparities 2. National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). Leslie, SW, et al. (2021). Prostate cancer 3. National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). Trump, DL, et al. (2018). Vitamin D in prostate cancer 4. National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). Xie, D.-D., et al. (2017). Low vitamin D status is associated with inflammation in patients with prostate cancer 5. Medical News Today. Vitamin D and prostate cancer: Is there a link?