Vitamin D Linked to Reducing the Risk of Lung Cancer

23 Sep 2015 --- A new research paper examines the role of vitamin D in reducing the risk of lung cancer, in particular, among patients with vitamin D deficiency. The meta-analysis of ten shortlisted studies revealed a significant 5% reduction in the risk of lung cancer associated with each 10 nmol/L increase of vitamin D intake. The paper has been published in the Journal of Cancer Causes & Control and is part of DSM’s ongoing advocacy of the importance of vitamin D in maintaining adequate health and preventing conditions associated with its deficiency.

Vitamin D is synthesized in the skin under exposure to sunlight and is converted to the circulating form 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25[OH]D) in the liver. Observational studies have found that an increase in vitamin D is associated with lower incidence and mortality of various types of cancers, suggesting that 25(OH)D affects their development. However, so far, prospective observational studies examining the 25(OH)D and lung cancer association have reported inconsistent findings. DSM’s meta-analysis concluded that there is a non-linear relationship between 25(OH)D and lung cancer. The greatest reduction in its risk proved to be at vitamin D status of nearly 53 nmol/L, which remained protective up to 90 nmol/L. The current RDA for vitamin D supplemental intake is 15 micrograms per day. If someone had 40 nmol/L when tested (below the protective 53 nmol/L described in this research), the dosage needed to achieve optimum levels of 75 nmol/L would be 85 micrograms over several months, which suggests that the RDA may need revising.

Dr. Manfred Eggersdorfer, Senior Vice President, Nutrition, Science & Advocacy at DSM and Professor for Healthy Ageing at Groningen University comments, “Especially to achieve a reductions of falls and fractures and other health benefits a serum level of 75 nmol/L 25(OH)D is required. The EFSA evaluated a health claim for vitamin D in risk reduction of falling, with falling being a risk factor for bone fractures. In order to obtain the claimed effect, 800 I.U. (20 mcg) of vitamin D from all sources should be consumed daily.”

Prof. Li-qiang Qin and his research team at Soochow University, China, comment: “This is a significant result, as lung cancer is one of the top five cancers diagnosed among men and women, as well as being among the most common causes of death in the world. More research is needed to determine whether a further increase has positive effects in reducing the risk of cancer, however this outcome helps us raise awareness of vitamin D health benefits.”

Dr. Weiguo Zhang, corresponding author from DSM Nutritional Products, China says: “Given the fact that 88% of the world population has sub-optimal vitamin D levels scientists, health authorities and policy makers should take action and advocate for optimal vitamin D intake which can be achieved via mandatory food fortification like in Finland or by taking a supplement. We are obligated to address this public health matter immediately. Studies like this help to understand how micronutrients affect the human body and how certain conditions can be prevented with increased and targeted intake. “

Dr. Manfred Eggersdorfer, says, “There is even stronger proven evidence that vitamin D is one of the micronutrients that are essential to human health. It not only helps maintain bone mineral density and muscle strength, but also helps to prevent the onset of non-communicable diseases as well as supporting the overall wellbeing. The new study adds to a larger body of evidence which demonstrates the emerging roles of vitamin D in protecting populations from developing other cancer risks, for instance, colon and breast cancer.”

He goes on to say, “Mechanistically, the protective effects of vitamin D on lung cancer appear biologically plausible. Multiple lines of in vitro and in vivo studies show that 1,25(OH)D, the active metabolite of 25 (OH)D, may prevent lung cancer through an immune-modulatory effect on lung epithelial cells, a stimulation of apoptosis and cell differentiation, and an inhibition of tumor invasion, angiogenesis, and metastasis.”

Vitamin D has also been shown in research to be a potent anti-inflammatory agent, which may further explain its impact on cancers which are widely accepted to be inflammatory diseases.