Vitamin D, omega 3 and exercise combo may reduce cancer risk by 61%

28 Apr 2022 --- A “first of its kind” study carried out across five EU countries has revealed the combination of vitamin D3, omega 3 and exercising can have cancer preventative effects in the elderly. The findings may pave the way in shaping public health efforts, according to the researchers.

“This is the first randomized controlled trial to show that the combination daily vitamin D3, supplemental marine omega 3s, and a simple home exercise program may be effective in the prevention of invasive cancer among generally healthy and active adults aged 70 and older,” Dr. Heike Bischoff-Ferrari, at the University Hospital Zurich, says.

The three-year DO-HEALTH trial included 2,157 participants across Switzerland, France, Germany, Austria, and Portugal. 

Apart from preventative recommendations such as not smoking and sun protection, public health efforts that focus on cancer prevention are limited, Bischoff-Ferrari adds. “Our aim was to test promising combined interventions for cancer prevention taking advantage of potentially small additive benefits from several public health strategies.”

The study spanned across five EU countries.Filling knowledge gaps
According to the researchers, mechanistic studies showed that vitamin D inhibits the growth of cancer cells. Similarly, omega 3 may inhibit the transformation of normal cells into cancer cells, and exercise has been shown to improve immune function and decrease inflammation, which may help in the prevention of cancer. 

However, there was a lack of robust clinical studies proving the effectiveness of these three simple interventions, alone or combined.

High doses of vitamin D3 and omega 3, and simple home exercising were tested individually and then combined. The daily dosage of vitamin D3 was 2000 IU, which is larger than a double recommended dose for adults, equivalent to 800 IU. 

Previous studies have shown that too much vitamin D can have negative effects on the body. However, the amount of 2000 IU is still lower than amounts that have been proven dangerous as 4000 IU per day is considered the safe upper-limit. 

Omega 3 was daily dosed as 1 g, and the home work-out program contained a schedule of three days per week. The participants were divided into eight groups, and the treatments were mixed, individual and not present.

Risk reduction reaches 61%
All three treatments showed a cumulative benefit on the risk of invasive cancers. Individually, the treatments showed small benefits. However, when combined, the benefits were statistically significant in reducing overall cancer risk by 61%.

Cancer is the second leading cause of mortality for the elderly, considered an age-related disease in Europe and the US, the researchers note. Cancer development also appears to accelerate from an unhealthy diet and low physical activity levels, the study highlights.

Even though the results proved significant, the research still needs to be replicated to verify that the combination of treatments is beneficial for reducing the burden of cancer. “The results may impact the future of invasive cancer prevention in older adults,” the scientists concluded.The findings attempt to shape public health recommendations.

Delving into detailed impact
Previous studies have shown that vitamin D prevents the growth of cancer cells. It does so by regulating the genes responsible for cell differentiation and proliferation. On the contrary, it has also been shown that vitamin D does not benefit cancer prevention, but it may reduce the risk of advanced cancer.

Omega 3 has been shown to inhibit carcinogenesis, which is the transformation of normal cells into cancer cells. It does so by suppressing cell proliferation, angiogenesis and inflammation. Omega 3 has also shown to be linked to immune function. 

However, the overall results on omega 3 for cancer prevention are inconclusive.

Physical exercise decreases inflammation and improves immune function, according to the study. It has been proven to be consistent in reducing the risk of several cancers. Additionally, physical exercise increases the chances of survival  if diagnosed.

The previous studies were mechanistic studies rather than clinical. Therefore, the scientists from the University of Zurich identified the need to fill this knowledge gap.

Edited by Beatrice Wihlander