Vitamin D is a crucial nutrient that plays an essential role in regulating calcium and phosphate levels in the body, promoting healthy bones and teeth, and supporting immune function.

However, recent studies have shown that vitamin D may also play an important role in preventing and treating cancer, especially metastatic cancer.

What Is It?: Metastatic Cancer

Metastatic cancer occurs when cancer cells from one part of the body spread to other parts of the body. This process, known as metastasis, can be deadly and is a significant challenge in cancer treatment.

Metastatic cancer is harder to treat than localized cancer, and the survival rates are much lower. According to the American Cancer Society, the five-year survival rate for metastatic cancer is only 27 percent.

How Vitamin D Helps Fight Metastatic Cancer

Research has shown that vitamin D may help in fighting metastatic cancer in several ways:.

1. Inhibits Cancer Growth and Metastasis

Vitamin D has been shown to inhibit cancer cell growth and reduce the risk of metastasis in several types of cancer, including breast, prostate, colon, and lung cancer.

Studies have shown that vitamin D can block the growth and spread of cancer cells by regulating the expression of genes involved in cell proliferation, cell differentiation, and cell death.

2. Promotes Cancer Cell Death

Vitamin D has been shown to induce cancer cell death, which is known as apoptosis. Apoptosis is a natural process in which the body eliminates damaged or abnormal cells.

Vitamin D can promote apoptosis in cancer cells by activating certain proteins and enzymes involved in the process.

3. Reduces Inflammation

Inflammation is linked to the development and progression of cancer. Vitamin D has been shown to reduce inflammation by regulating the expression of cytokines, which are proteins involved in inflammation.

By reducing inflammation, vitamin D can help in preventing cancer and reducing the risk of metastasis.

4. Boosts Immune Function

Vitamin D is known to stimulate the production of immune cells, including T cells, B cells, and natural killer cells. These immune cells play a vital role in recognizing and attacking cancer cells.

By boosting immune function, vitamin D can help in preventing the development and progression of cancer.

How to Get Enough Vitamin D

The primary source of vitamin D is sunlight. When your skin is exposed to UVB radiation from sunlight, it produces vitamin D. However, many factors, such as skin color, geography, and season, can affect how much vitamin D your body produces.

You can also get vitamin D from certain foods, such as fatty fish (salmon, tuna, and mackerel), cheese, egg yolks, and beef liver. However, it can be challenging to get enough vitamin D from food alone.

If you’re deficient in vitamin D, your doctor may recommend taking a vitamin D supplement. The recommended daily intake of vitamin D is 600-800 IU for adults, but some people may need more depending on their individual needs and health status.

The Bottom Line

Vitamin D is a crucial nutrient for promoting bone health and supporting immune function, but recent studies have shown that it may also play an important role in preventing and treating metastatic cancer.

By inhibiting cancer growth and metastasis, promoting cancer cell death, reducing inflammation, and boosting immune function, vitamin D can help in fighting metastatic cancer and improving survival rates.