New research is showing that Vitamin D can play a role in
cancer prevention.
Vitamin D, which
can be obtained from dietary sources and direct exposure to sunlight, has been
shown to inhibit the function and production of protein cMYC.
The protein cMYC drives cell division and
is found at elevated levels in a variety of cancers.
Vitamin D insufficiency has been correlated with increased incidence
of certain cancers. This
correlation has been found in colon cancer and some forms of leukemia. Canadian researchers found that vitamin
D can stimulate the production of a natural antagonist of cMYC, MXD1. This antagonist shuts down the function
of cMYC.
This group of Canadian researchers found that applying
vitamin D to the skin of mice caused a drop in cMYC levels. They also found that mice lacking the
vitamin D receptor had increased levels of cMYC. The researchers believe this is evidence that vitamin D may
be able to keep cancer cell proliferation in check. This shows that is essential to maintain adequate levels of
vitamin c.
http://www.gtmb.org/pages/Vol8b/HTML/35.%20Supino-Scovassi,%20385-3%20copy.htm
The figure depicts the role c-MYC can play in cell cycle proliferation and possible cancer progression. If vitamin D can shut down c-MYC, then it can help keep cancer cell proliferation in check.
However, don't go rushing out there taking large doses of vitamin D in an effort to prevent cancers. Vitamin D toxicity or hypervitaminosis D can have serious side effects. First, too much vitamin D causes calcium build up in your blood. This calcium build up can cause nausea and vomiting, as well as kidney problems. While, vitamin D toxicity is rare, it is still possible.
So the key, as it is with most things, is moderation. By getting the daily recommended doses of vitamin D, you are also helping to prevent certain types of cancers.
Vitamin d mechanism of action discovered by mcgill university.
(2012, November 29). Retrieved from
http://www.pcf.org/site/c.leJRIROrEpH/b.8467737/k.C035
/Vitamin_D_Mechanism_of_Action_Discovered_by_McGill_University.htm
Zeratsky, K. (2012, March 20). What is vitamin d toxicity, and should i worry about it since i take supplements?. Retrieved from http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/vitamin-d-toxicity/AN02008