Vitamin D and prevention of colorectal cancer Edward D. Gorhama,b, Cedric F. Garland b, Frank C. Garland a,b,∗, William B. Grant c, Sharif B. Mohra, Martin Lipkin d, Harold L. Newmarke, Edward Giovannucci f, Melissa Wei f, Michael F. Holick Results: Overall, individuals with ≥1000 IU/day oral Vitamin D (p < 0.0001) or ≥33 ng/ml (82 nmol/l) serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (p < 0.01) had 50% lower incidence of colorectal cancer compared to reference values. Conclusions: Intake of 1000 IU/day of Vitamin D, half the safe upper intake established by the National Academy of Sciences, was associated with 50% lower risk. Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D of 33 ng/ml, which is known to be safe, also was associated with 50% lower risk. Prompt public health action is needed to increase intake of Vitamin D3 to 1000 IU/day, and to raise 25-hydroxyvitamin D by encouraging a modest duration of sunlight exposure. Review article Breast cancer survivors and vitamin 😧 A review Stephanie L. Hines, M.D.a,*, H. Keels S. Jorn, M.D.b, Kristine M. Thompson, M.D.c, and Jan M. Larson, M.D.d Abstract Recent evidence has suggested a role for vitamin D in breast cancer prevention and survival. Studies have reported an inverse relation between vitamin D intake and the risk of breast cancer, improvements in survival after a diagnosis of breast cancer in women with higher levels of vitamin D, and vitamin D insufficiency in up to 75% of women with breast cancer. Preclinical data have indicated that vitamin D affects up to 200 genes that influence cellular proliferation, apoptosis, angiogenesis, terminal differentiation of normal and cancer cells, and macrophage function. Vitamin D receptors have been found in up to 80% of breast cancers, and vitamin D receptor polymorphisms have been associated with differences in survival. Although ongoing studies have investigated a possible link between adequate levels of vitamin D and improved cancer prognosis, breast cancer survivors may derive additional, non–cancer-related benefits from adequate vitamin D levels, including improvements in bone mineral density, quality of life, and mood. Maintaining adequate vitamin D stores is recommended for breast cancer survivors throughout their lifetime. Vitamin D status in a sunny country: Where has the sun gone? Marianna D. Unger a, Lilian Cuppari b, Silvia M. Titan a, Maria Cláudia T. Magalhães c, Ana L. Sassaki c, Luciene M. dos Reis a, Vanda Jorgetti a, Rosa Maria Affonso Moysés s u m m a r y Background & aims: Hypovitaminosis D [serum 25 vitamin D < 30ng/ml] is related to the development of metabolic bone disease and greater risk of chronic illnesses. However, it is frequently under-diagnosed, mainly in countries where UV radiation is abundant. We prospectively determined the prevalence and the predictors of serum 25 vitamin D (s25(OH)D) in a healthy Brazilian population after the winter and after the summer. Sunlight, the vitamin D endocrine system, and their relationships with gynaecologic cancer Faustino R. Pérez-LópezCorresponding Author Contact Information, a, E-mail The Corresponding Author Abstract Vitamin D term has classically been considered an important nutrient, but modern scientific evidence points out that it has a new and more critical role as ubiquitous hormone at the centre of a complex endocrine, paracrine, and autocrine system involved in maintaining general health. Vitamin D is found in small quantities in food; however, it is also produced by the skin when exposed to certain intensities of ultraviolet light. Substantial epidemiological and clinical data suggest a link between low levels of vitamin D and an increased risk of a number of female specific cancers. Different types of cancer cells present vitamin D term receptors and the enzymatic system involved in both vitamin D synthesis and inhibition. Sustained low levels of its precursor are responsible for alterations in vitamin D tissue and cell production and metabolism. The active form of vitamin D, 1,25(OH)2D3, can induce differentiation, inhibit proliferation, and modulate immune responsiveness of breast and a wide variety of female genital cell types. Vitamin D effects have been observed on expression of cell cycle regulators, growth factors and their receptors, apoptotic machinery, metastatic potential, and angiogenesis; all of which have some effect on hyperproliferative conditions. However, vitamin D blood levels may not be representative of the local metabolic alterations during carcinogenesis. Clinical studies support the recommendation to increase vitamin D levels to a normal range in order to prevent the tissue disorders related to hypovitaminosis D which are thought to be involved in the initiation and progression of cancer. ... View more