According to University of Rochester Medical Center research report, vitamin D protects the healthy cells from the damage and injuries that can lead to cancer. It does so by stimulating a specific gene to increase expression of an important enzyme in the body. Yi Fen Lee, associate professor of urology at the Medical Center who led this research said that many studies have previously suggested the benefits of vitamin D. These latest findings show that vitamin D not only can be used as a therapy but can also be used to treat cancer. It can totally prevent prostate cancer from happening.

 

The research team discovered a mechanism which involves vitamin D that protects the cells from oxidative stress. The vitamin D used in this study is 1.25-hydroxlyvitamin D3 which is one of the most powerful and active form of vitamin D present in the human body. The normal metabolism in the cells generate something called ROS or Reactive Oxygen Species, which are molecules of peroxide, or so called free radicals. These substances play an important role in killing the bacteria. However, the exposure to some chemicals or forms of radiation can produce some high levels of ROS that can damage the DNA. This in turn plays a very negative role and speeds up aging or may even cause cancer.

 

In her research, Lee found out that vitamin D pairs with a gene called the G6PD which increases its activity and the production of an enzyme called the glucose 6 phosphate dehydrogeanase. The reports of the test suggest that if the DNA damage is reduced, the risk of cancer or aging can be reduced. Lee further added that taking a supplement is important for senior citizens and those people who have less intake of vitamin D like those who live and work in areas where there is very little sunshine.

 

However, a word of caution - large amounts of vitamin D should never be taken without proper medical supervision. The G6PD pathway is one of the mechanisms that vitamin D uses. However, there were no similarities discovered between any prostate cancer cells which mean that vitamin D does not protect cancer cells from injury or damage.