Higher vitamin D reduces risk of liver cancer by 40%

Higher levels of vitamin D in the blood can slash the of cancer, according to a new study.

Japanese researchers found high levels of the ‘sunshine vitamin’ were linked to a 50 per cent lower risk of liver cancer.

The overall cancer risk was 20 per cent less and the results were more evident in men, the scientists discovered.

Higher levels of vitamin D in the blood corresponds to a lower risk of cancer, especially liver cancer, according to a new study

Researchers looked at data from 33,736 people from both sexes and ranging in age from 40 to 69 years.

The participants provided their medical history, diet and lifestyle information. They also gave a blood sample, which was used to determine Vitamin D levels.

Participants were then monitored over an average period of 16 years for cancer, of which 3,301 cases occurred during the study period.

Cancer beat by Vitamin D

The team analysed the blood, while accounting for other known cancer risk factor like age, weight (BMI), physical activity levels, smoking, alcohol intake and diet, as well as season, which affects the amount of Vitamin D in the blood.

They found the significantly lower risk of liver cancer, and this result was especially true of men.

According to the researchers, there was no relationship between lung or prostate cancer and vitamin D levels – although, at the very least, it did not increase the number of people developing these cancers.

Higher than average levels of vitamin D may be beneficial for sufferers of IBS and immune system diseases like rheumatoid arthritis

DOES VITAMIN D PREVENT ARTHRITIS?

Vitamin D may prevent inflammatory diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, research suggested in November 2017.

The so-called ‘sunshine supplement’ strengthens the immune system, which helps to prevent the body from attacking healthy cells and causing autoimmune conditions, like arthritis.

Rheumatoid arthritis, which causes joint swelling, may also benefit from vitamin D’s anti-inflammatory effects.

Yet, as the painful joint condition reduces a sufferer’s vitamin D sensitivity, patients may not benefit from taking such supplements once they have developed the disorder, or at least not at recommended doses, according to the researchers.

Study author Dr Louisa Jeffery from the University of Birmingham, said: ‘Our research indicates that maintaining sufficient vitamin D may help to prevent the onset of inflammatory diseases like rheumatoid arthritis.

‘However, for patients who already have rheumatoid arthritis, simply providing vitamin D might not be enough. Instead much higher doses may be needed’.

The researchers analysed blood and joint fluid from rheumatoid arthritis patients.

The researchers also note that there may be a ‘ceiling effect’ to the benefits of vitamin D. After a certain point, the benefits of vitamin D level off, they said.

These results strengthen the reports of other studies undertaken in Europe and America.

Notably, it was the first kind of these studies to be completed in Asia.

Wonder vitamin

The general health benefits of having higher vitamin D are well established.

For example, a daily dose of vitamin D may ease symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), according to a study carried out in January.

It could even benefit mood, as IBS has previously been linked to depression and anxiety.

Researchers did not speculate on how vitamin D improves the IBS condition, past research has shown the nutrient is anti-inflammatory, which may ease discomfort in sufferers’ bowels.

IBS affects between 10 and 15 per cent of people in the UK.

A 2017 study showed that Vitamin D may also prevent inflammatory diseases like rheumatoid arthritis.

It strengthens the immune system, which helps to prevent the body from attacking healthy cells and causing autoimmune conditions, such as arthritis.

However, the painful joint condition reduces a sufferer’s vitamin D sensitivity and patients may not benefit from taking such supplements once they have developed the disorder.

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