Decreased blood levels of vitamin D are associated with an increased risk of colorectal cancer
Researchers have identified a role for circulating 25-hydroxyvitamin D in the prevention of early colorectal cancer in young adults under the age of 50. This vitamin may be an important component of colorectal cancer prevention.Researchers from Seoul, Edinburgh and Southampton Medical Universities examined the association of serum vitamin D levels with the risk of colorectal cancer in South Korean adults. The results of the study are published in the journal Gastroenterology.
They analyzed data from 236,382 adult participants who underwent a comprehensive medical examination in Korea, including measurement of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels. The mean age of the participants was 38 years. Based on vitamin D levels at baseline, participants were divided into three categories: <10, 10-20, and ≥20 ng/mL. Two groups were compared by age: under 50 years and >50 years.
At follow-up of more than six years, colorectal cancer was diagnosed in 341 participants. Among those under 50, the risk of the disease was reduced by 39% in the vitamin D level group of 10-20 ng/mL and 59% in the ≥20 ng/mL group compared to the lowest concentration of this vitamin.
The researchers found frequent development of adenocarcinoma, colorectal cancer, and invasive cancer when blood levels of vitamin D were low. The association was less pronounced in the older age group.
The results confirmed that lower serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels are associated with an increased risk of colorectal cancer at a young age. This indicates a positive role of vitamin D in early prevention of colorectal cancer.