Year: 2024 | Month: April | Volume: 14 | Issue: 4 | Pages: 559-564
DOI: https://doi.org/10.52403/ijhsr.20240471
Vitamin D in Oncology: Beyond Bones to Battling Cancer - A Review Article
Dr Shashikant Adlekha1, Dr Nagadharshan Devendra2, Dr Shilpa Kakera3
1Associate Professor, Department of Pathology, Trinity Medical Sciences University, Saint Vincent and Grenadines
2Associate Dean Basic Sciences and Associate professor, Department of Biochemistry, Trinity Medical Sciences University, Saint Vincent and Grenadines
3Associate Professor, Department of Neurosciences and Anatomy, Trinity Medical Sciences University, Saint Vincent and Grenadines
Corresponding Author: Dr Shashikant Adlekha
ABSTRACT
Since the discovery of vitamin D, extensive research has been conducted to explore its physiological effects and the impact of its lack on human health. The body produces fat-soluble vitamin D when exposed to sunshine. Recent experimental studies suggest that exposure to sunlight and maintaining sufficient levels of circulating vitamin D can decrease the likelihood of developing cancer. Various in vitro and in vivo research indicate that vitamin D may be a beneficial supplement for both treating and preventing cancer.
However, sufficient clinical trials must be conducted to confirm the inhibitory effect of vitamin D on cancer occurrence. Therefore, comprehending the biological mechanics of vitamin D can be beneficial in preventing several chronic diseases. This review focuses on research studies indexed in MEDLINE and other databases, that have examined the impact of vitamin D on reducing cancer rates and its role in inhibiting the progression of cancer cells.
The correlation between vitamin D and cancer has been extensively researched, yielding inconsistent findings. There is no unanimity on whether vitamin D has a good anti-cancer impact. This review outlines the relationship between vitamin D and cancer risk, as well as the findings from clinical studies on vitamin D. It also delves into the factors that lead to the variability in study results. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) that affect the effectiveness of vitamin D supplementation are emphasized. Comprehending these distinctions can tailor strategies to enhance the efficacy of vitamin D in reducing cancer risk.
Key words: Vitamin D, Cancer, SNP, Chronic diseases