A new study suggests that one of the most common and affordable vitamins could be key in the fight against one of America’s deadliest cancers.
Researchers from Hungary’s Semmelweis University have found that vitamin D plays a “critical role” in both preventing and treating colorectal cancer.
The findings, published in the journal Nutrients, are based on a meta-analysis of 50 previous studies involving over 1.3 million participants. The research highlights a strong correlation between vitamin D levels and cancer outcomes — particularly for colorectal cancer, which remains the second leading cause of cancer death in the United States.
Dr. János Tamás Varga, one of the lead authors, said the data makes a strong case for paying closer attention to vitamin D levels, especially for those at high risk. “Our research clearly supports the strong correlation between 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels and cancer outcomes,” Varga told Fox News Digital.
Patients with low vitamin D levels were found to have significantly worse prognoses. According to the study, vitamin D reduces inflammation, helps destroy cancer cells, limits tumor growth, and strengthens the immune system — all of which are critical in fighting colorectal cancer.
But the benefits don’t stop at prevention. For patients with advanced-stage colorectal cancer, vitamin D supplementation was shown to improve survival rates. The researchers noted, however, that the effects of the vitamin can vary based on dosage, individual health, and treatment duration.
Dr. Monika Fekete, another researcher involved in the study, said Americans should consider a daily supplement of 1,000 to 4,000 IU of vitamin D — especially those with low blood levels or a family history of colorectal cancer. “We recommend that individuals at high risk monitor their vitamin D levels and supplement as needed,” she said.
The American Cancer Society (ACS) has previously cited research pointing to vitamin D’s potential in reducing cancer risk, particularly colorectal cancer. However, the organization has noted that large-scale studies haven’t consistently shown that vitamin D supplements prevent precancerous growths like polyps. Still, the ACS recommends avoiding low vitamin D levels and says most Americans don’t get enough of the vitamin through diet alone.
Sunlight is the body’s primary source of vitamin D, though it can also be found in fatty fish, some mushrooms, and fortified foods like milk and orange juice. Supplements offer an easy and widely available option to boost levels.
The researchers called for more clinical trials to determine the optimal dosage and understand how genetic factors may influence vitamin D’s effectiveness. They also urged physicians to consider routine vitamin D screening and supplementation as part of both cancer prevention and treatment.
More research is still needed, but the findings point to vitamin D as a potentially valuable and accessible tool in addressing colorectal cancer.