prostate cancer
Research
Source: Scientific reports
Can vitamin D levels influence the chances of survival in patients with prostate cancer?
In a nutshell
This study examined the levels of vitamin D in patients with prostate cancer (PC) to see if they were linked to patients’ chances of survival. The results showed that patients with higher levels of active vitamin D had a greater chance of survival.
Some background
Vitamin D is made from sun exposure and can be found in two forms in the body. 25(OH)D is the inactive form that is converted to the active 1,25(OH)2D when needed. Active vitamin D has been shown to stop the growth of cancer cells and may increase the survival of patients. It can be difficult to measure active vitamin D levels so inactive vitamin D levels are frequently used to estimate how much vitamin D a patient has. It is unclear if vitamin D levels impact the survival of patients with PC.
Methods & findings
Data from 1119 patients with PC were examined. Patients’ results were available for an average of 97 months.
Patients with higher levels of active vitamin D had a 55% higher chance of survival. Inactive vitamin D levels were not linked to the survival of patients. Patients who spent more time outdoors during a week had a 45% higher chance of survival.
Vitamin D was most beneficial to patients with aggressive (difficult to control) PC. High vitamin D levels reduced the risk of death in patients with aggressive PC by 72%.
The bottom line
The authors concluded that high levels of active vitamin D increase patients’ chances of survival, especially patients with aggressive PC.
The fine print
This study used medical records data so not all information was available. It is unclear if vitamin D levels are depleted during cancer treatment which may also affect results.
Disclaimer:
This information should not be relied upon as a substitute for personal medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Use the information provided by Medivizor solely at your own risk. Medivizor makes no warranties or representations as to the accuracy of information provided herein. If you have any concerns about your health, please consult a physician.
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what is considered high enough to be effective Reply
Hi Tucker. In this study, patients with the best outcomes had a 1,25(OH)2D level between 106.56-263.88 pmol/L and a 25 OHD level between 66.09-80.25 nmol/L. Reply
Would 5000 IU's get you there?
Reply
Hi Scott. We suggest you discuss with your doctor about vitamin D supplementation. Reply
Scott, I would add from personal experience in addressing insufficiency of Vitamin D with someone I care for personally (not as a doctor -- this is not medical advice!), adding 1,000 IUs of Vitamin D supplementation daily tends to raise Vitamin D (25-OH) level by about 10 ng/mL (which is same as 25 nmol/L). However, if I were you, with full coordination with your doctor, I'd measure Vitamin D at baseline, and then measure again with each 1,000 IU of daily supplementation you add (as absorption may not be linear). Again - not medical advice, to be discussed with your doctor. Reply
I am consuming 3000 IU of 25(OH)D and 2 mcg of 1,25(OH)2D (Alfacalcidol), daily.
May be it is the reason I survived stage 4 Prostate cancer (bPSA was 600, lot of metastasis) since my diagnosis, 19 years ago?
Itzy in Israel Reply
Agree with obtaining a base line reading of your Vit D level first, it can take up to 3 months to see a rise in the Vit D level, and can depend on how much sun you are also getting. Being over weight, carrying too much fat will also impact, as the Vit D will be stored there and you will not get a true reading. Recent research confirmed this and has been known for some time.
Vit D can be taken either as capsule or in liquid form with food.
Cheers Alan Reply
Isn't it worth considering that patients who are more vigorous, active, and outdoors orientated have e better survival rates for that reason rather than the vitamin d, which is a byproduct of their lifestyle? Reply