Vitamin D and prostate cancer, is it a wonder drug?

We know that as men get older, the incidence of prostate cancer rises, and studies have shown that the elderly have lower levels of this important vitamin.

You can get your daily “D” in several ways:

• By eating foods like fish, eggs, and fortified dairy products (although the amounts are small)
• By taking supplements
• By sitting in the sun (but you’ve got to be careful about skin cancer)

Barnett et al concluded that there was no association between serum 25-OH vitamin D levels, and the subsequent risk of prostate cancer, in their study of 1,433 men who were older or equal to age 65, and did not have a history of prostate cancer. In a large meta analysis, Gilbert et al determined that there was little evidence to support a major role of vitamin D in preventing prostate cancer or its progression.

In an earlier study, Gupta et all did an extensive search to identify all the epidemiological studies on the relationship between this vitamin and prostate cancer. Below is what they found, but remember that the challenge with epidemiological studies is that they can only show that a factor is associated with an outcome in men with prostate cancer. They cannot prove a definite cause of the outcome.

• Results of studies were mostly conflicting or negative about the benefits of getting this vitamin from food
• In one study, men who took supplements (greater than 600 IU daily) had less of a risk of prostate cancer (40% reduction). However, nine other studies did not prove a protective factor. The authors of this study suggested that perhaps the levels taken need to be higher to really determine the benefits
• Of ten studies reviewed, most showed that exposure to sunlight may offer a protective factor against prostate cancer
• Results were conflicting in seven studies that were conducted to determine if having a vitamin D deficiency increases a man’s risk for prostate cancer
• A recent report by Kristal et al reported that neither dietary nor supplemental intakes of nutrients often suggested for prostate cancer prevention, including this vitamin, were significantly associated with cancer risk.

When we last checked the U.S. National Institutes of Health clinical trials database, there were several cancer centers recruiting patients to determine the effects of supplements on men who already have prostate cancer.

While there currently isn’t any solid evidence that taking a daily "D" supplement can help men who have prostate cancer, it is interesting that the National Cancer Institute and other leading cancer centers are continuing to conduct research on vitamin D and prostate cancer.

Updated 7/11

Always discuss everything you read on this web site with a qualified medical professional.

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