The Real Role of Vitamin D in Cancer Risk: Prevention or Protection?
Vitamin D supplementation doesn't prevent cancer, but it does reduce deaths from the disease.
By Erika Reyna · · 1 min read Like a lot of women, I used to believe that taking vitamin D supplements was my main shield against cancer. But a secondary analysis of the prestigious VITAL clinical trial has me thinking differently. This study, which involved more than 25,000 adults, shows that supplementing with 2000 IU a day did not keep invasive cancer from developing. However, the most important takeaway for me is that even though it doesn’t prevent it, it does seem to reduce my risk of dying from cancer. That paints a different picture for me: vitamin D plays a bigger role in how deadly the disease is than in preventing it in the first place. This isn’t just a detail; it’s a shift in how I understand preventive medicine.
It motivates me to stay consistent with supplementation, knowing that its value lies in long-term protection. Instead of relying only on a vitamin D supplement, I can round out my intake with foods rich in calcium and vitamin D, like fatty fish, which have been shown to benefit bone and cardiovascular health.
Source
This article is for educational purposes and does not replace advice from a health professional.
Radio host and co-host of Buena Vibra Show. I read and talk with the experts to bring you the science in clear words. I'm not the doctor, I'm your friend.
About Me →