(NaturalHealth365)  Cancer diagnoses in the U.S. rose from 1.9 million in 2022 to 2 million in 2023, with an alarming increase among young adults.  A recent study published in Nutrients explores a possible contributing factor: widespread vitamin D deficiency, which may very well be fueling these numbers. 

Could this deficiency be partly attributed to our modern lifestyles?  Researchers suggest that our sunlight-deprived way of life may play a significant role in the rising cancer rates, especially among younger populations.  Of course, when you couple this reality with the amount of toxicity we’re exposed to, there’s good reason to believe that cancer rates will continue to soar in the coming years – unless we make some big changes soon.

Is vitamin D the missing link?

The study conducted an umbrella review of existing research, focusing on the relationship between vitamin D levels and the incidence and mortality of five major cancers: breast, colorectal, lung, pancreatic, and prostate.  Researchers found a consistent trend – low vitamin D levels are associated with poorer cancer outcomes.

This deficiency is partly a modern lifestyle issue.  As more of us spend our days indoors under artificial lighting, we lose the primary source of vitamin D: sunlight.  While diet and supplements can help, they don’t fully replicate the benefits of UVB exposure for boosting the body’s natural vitamin D production.

Vitamin D and cancer: What the data shows

Vitamin D plays a critical role in regulating cellular processes that can either promote or prevent cancer.  Here’s what the study uncovered about the connection between vitamin D and specific cancers:

• Breast and colorectal cancer:  Low levels of vitamin D are strongly linked to higher mortality rates.  Sufficient vitamin D appears to reduce the risk of both diagnosis and death.
• Prostate cancer:  The relationship between vitamin D levels and incidence is less clear, but higher vitamin D levels may improve survival after diagnosis.
• Lung cancer:  Evidence is mixed – some studies suggest protective effects from higher vitamin D levels, while others find no significant correlation.
• Pancreatic cancer:  The data shows inconsistent results, with no clear link between vitamin D levels and the risk of diagnosis.

While the link between vitamin D and cancer is strongest for breast and colorectal cancers, causation remains unproven.  Observational studies make up the bulk of the research, meaning it’s unclear whether vitamin D deficiency causes cancer or if the disease itself leads to lower vitamin D levels.

However, research suggests that vitamin D’s potential role in cancer prevention could be related to its molecular influence.  The active form of vitamin D (calcitriol) binds to receptors in cells, regulating growth, differentiation, and apoptosis (programmed cell death) – key processes in preventing cancerous growth.  Studies have shown that UVB exposure stimulates dermal vitamin D synthesis, which has been linked to reduced cancer risk in ecological and laboratory research.

How to optimize your vitamin D levels

While more research is needed to establish a causal link between vitamin D and cancer, the evidence strongly supports maintaining adequate levels for overall health and potentially reducing cancer risks.  The typical reference range for vitamin D levels in Western medicine is around 30 ng/mL, which is conventionally considered sufficient for general health.  However, many natural health practitioners and holistic healers often recommend aiming for levels closer to 50–60 ng/mL, or even higher, as they believe these higher levels offer greater health benefits, particularly in immune function and disease prevention.

Scientists emphasize that natural sunlight remains the best source of vitamin D.  Just 20 minutes of daily sun exposure – on as much of your skin directly as possible – can help to boost your levels.  If you live in an overcast or cold climate, consider vitamin D supplements.  Current (conventional) recommendations suggest 600 to 2,000 IU daily, but consult a holistic healthcare provider to determine the right amount for your needs.

To be clear, if you’re deficient in vitamin D based on a simple blood test, most holistic healthcare providers suggest the need to supplement with 5,000 to 10,000 IU of vitamin D3 per day plus adequate amounts of boron, zinc and magnesium to improve absorption and correct nutritional deficiencies.  After supplementing for a few months, try re-testing and see if your vitamin D levels have reached an optimal level of 50 – 80 ng/ml.

By making small changes, such as spending more time outdoors or incorporating vitamin D-rich foods like wild caught fatty fish, pasture raised egg yolks, raw organic dairy products, and mushrooms into your routine, you can take proactive steps toward strengthening your defenses against one of today’s most pressing health concerns.

Sources for this article include:

MDPI.com
News-medical.net
Yalemedicine.org