Vitamin D is a shield against colon cancer – nutrition

The high level of vitamin D in the blood protects against the most common tumor in Italy, that of the colon-rectum. The confirmation of this important function of a protective shield of a vitamin already known for its many health benefits is an international study created by the collaboration of European, American and Asian researchers, published in the Journal de l & rsquo; National Cancer Institute.
"The risk of developing colorectal cancer over the course of life is one in 24 women and one in 22 men, and the second leading cause of cancer death in men and women "Says Sabina Sieri, an epidemiologist at the IRCCS Foundation – National Cancer Institute and co-author of the article. It has already been hypothesized that vitamin D, known for its role in maintaining bone health, may reduce the risk of developing this tumor through various metabolic pathways involved in cellular regulation. To address the inconsistent results of previous studies on the subject, 5,700 cases of colorectal cancer and 7,100 control cases were badyzed, belonging to 17 cohorts and observed for 5.5 years. During this period, compared with subjects with circulating vitamin D concentrations considered to be adequate for bone health, those with suboptimal concentrations had an increased risk of colorectal cancer of 31%. Higher levels than those deemed appropriate for bone health were badociated with a 27% lower risk. This suggests, Sieri concludes, that the levels "recommended for bone health could be lower than those that would be optimal for the prevention of colorectal cancer".