Vitamin D : Health Benefits, Part 2

by MedlinePlus

(Page 2 of 3)

Cancer prevention

Vitamin D receptors have been identified in tissues such as the breast and prostate, prompting theories that vitamin D may play a role in cancer prevention. Limited research suggests that synthetic vitamin D analogs may play a role in the treatment of human cancers. For example, there is evidence that inadequate exposure to sunlight, and therefore vitamin D, is associated with an increased risk of mortality from cancers of the breast, colon, prostate, kidney, lung, pancreas, rectum, stomach, uterus, ovary, esophagus, or non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. However, it remains unclear if vitamin D deficiency raises cancer risk, or if an increased intake of vitamin D is protective against some cancers. Until additional trials are conducted, it is premature to advise the use of regular vitamin D supplementation to prevent cancer.

Corticosteroid-induced osteoporosis

Corticosteroid medications are often prescribed to reduce inflammation from a variety of medical problems. These medicines may be essential for a person's medical treatment, but they have potential side effects, including decreased calcium absorption. Some evidence implies that steroids may also impair vitamin D metabolism, further contributing to the loss of bone and development of osteoporosis associated with steroid medications. There is limited evidence that vitamin D may be beneficial to bone strength in patients taking long-term steroids.

Diabetes (Type 1/Type 2)

Type 1 diabetes: It has been reported that infants given calcitriol during the first year of life are less likely to develop type 1 diabetes than infants fed lesser amounts of vitamin D. Other related studies have suggested using cod liver oil as a source of vitamin D to reduce the incidence of type 1 diabetes. There is currently insufficient evidence to form a clear conclusion in this area.Type 2 diabetes: In recent studies, adults given vitamin D supplementation were shown to improve insulin sensitivity. Further research is needed to confirm these results.

Fall prevention

There is unclear evidence in this area.

Hepatic osteodystrophy

Metabolic bone disease is common among patients with chronic liver disease, and osteoporosis accounts for the majority of cases. Varying degrees of calcium malabsorption may occur in patients with chronic liver disease due to malnutrition and vitamin D deficiency. Oral or injected vitamin D may play a role in the management of this condition.

High blood pressure (hypertension)

Low levels of vitamin D may play a role in the development of high blood pressure. It has been noted that blood pressure is often elevated during the winter season, further distance from the equator, and dark skin pigmentation (all of which are associated with lower exposure to vitamin D via sunlight). In one study, when patients were treated with ultraviolet light three times a week for six weeks, vitamin D levels increased by 162% and blood pressure fell significantly. Small amounts of oral vitamin D (cholecalciferol 800 IU) for eight weeks resulted in a reduction in both blood pressure and heart rate in another trial. Epidemiological evidence suggests a relationship between calcium deficiency and hypertension. The observation that a physiologic amount of active vitamin D has blood pressure lowering (hypotensive) effects is consistent with this concept and suggests a possible role for vitamin D in lowering blood pressure. However, evidence is not definitive, and a clear comparison with more proven methods to reduce blood pressure has not been conducted. Patients with elevated blood pressure should be managed by a licensed healthcare professional.

Hypertriglyceridemia

There is insufficient evidence in this area.

Multiple sclerosis (MS)

Scientists have detected MS rates to be lower in areas with greater sunlight and higher consumption of vitamin D rich fish. Preliminary research suggests that long-term vitamin D supplementation decreases the risk of MS, with dose-dependent effects. Consumption of at least 400 IU per day, mainly in the form of a multivitamin supplement, may have a protective effect based on one study. However, additional research is necessary before a firm conclusion can be reached.

Myelodysplastic syndrome

There is insufficient evidence in this area.

Osteogenesis imperfecta (OI)

OI is a genetic disease characterized by unusually fragile bones that break easily, often under loads that normal bones bear daily due to a malfunction in the body's production of collagen. Proper calcium and vitamin D intake is essential to maintaining strong bones.

Osteoporosis in cystic fibrosis

Osteoporosis is common in patients with cystic fibrosis (due to fat malabsorption, which leads to a deficiency of fat-soluble vitamins such as vitamin D. Oral calcitriol administration appears to increase absorption of calcium and lower parathyroid concentrations.

Prostate cancer

There is preliminary evidence based on laboratory and limited human studies that high-dose vitamin D may be beneficial in the treatment of prostate cancer. This area is under active investigation, but clear evidence of benefits is not yet available.

Proximal myopathy

There is insufficient evidence in this area.

Seasonal affective disorder (SAD)

Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a form of depression that occurs during the winter months, possibly due to reduced exposure to sunlight. This condition is often treated with photo (light) therapy. In one study, a dose of 100,000 IU of vitamin D was found to be superior to light therapy in the treatment of SAD after one month. Further studies are necessary to confirm these findings.

Senile warts

In early study, senile warts have been treated with topical vitamin D(3).

Tooth retention

Oral bone and tooth loss are correlated with bone loss at non-oral sites. Calcium and vitamin D supplementation slow the rate of bone loss from various skeletal sites, but it is not known if intake of these nutrients affects oral bone and, in turn, tooth retention. Research suggests that intake levels of calcium and vitamin D aimed at preventing osteoporosis may have a beneficial effect on tooth retention.

Muscle strength

Oral cholecalciferol 1000 IU per day does not appear to increase muscle strength or improve physical performance in healthy older men who are not vitamin D deficient.

Uses based on tradition or theory

The below uses are based on tradition or scientific theories. They often have not been thoroughly tested in humans, and safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider.

Actinic keratosis, Alzheimer's disease associated hip fractures, ankylosing spondylitis, autoimmune disorders, colorectal adenomas, glucose intolerance, Graves disease, hyperparathyroidism in renal dialysis, hypocalcemia, hypocalcemic tetany, kidney transplant-related bone loss, osteitis fibrosa in dialysis, rheumatoid arthritis, scleroderma, squamous cell carcinoma, systemic lupus erythematosus, vitiligo.

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