Review article
THE INFLUENCE OF VITAMIN D ON THE PREVENTION AND TREATMENT OF MALIGNANT DISEASES
Tatjana Bačun
; Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, Faculty of Medicine Osijek, Josip Huttler Street 4, 31000 Osijek, Croatia; University Hospital Centre Osijek, Department of Internal Medicine, Josip Huttler Street 4, 31000 Osijek, Croatia
Romana Marušić
; Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, Faculty of Medicine Osijek, Josip Huttler Street 4, 31000 Osijek, Croatia; National Memorial Hospital „Dr. Juraj Njavro“ Vukovar, Department of Internal Medicine, Županijska Street 35, 32000 Vukovar, Croatia
Saška Marczi
; University Hospital Centre Osijek, Clinical Institute for Transfusion Medicine, Josip Huttler Street 4, 31000 Osijek, Croatia
Abstract
Vitamin D has long been recognized for its essential role in maintaining healthy bones and teeth. In recent years, there has been increasing research into the potential influence of vitamin D on malignant diseases. It is estimated that more than 10 million people die from cancer each year, making it one of the leading causes of death globally. While many factors contribute to cancer development, including genetic and environmental factors, research has suggested that vitamin D may play a role in reducing the risk of certain types of cancer. Vitamin D has numerous physiological functions, such as anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, proapoptotic, and antiangiogenic effects. Preclinical studies have shown that it could inhibit carcinogenesis, slowing tumor progression by stimulating cell differentiation and inhibiting cancer cell proliferation. Several types of cancer have been studied concerning vitamin D. While more research is needed, some evidence suggests that vitamin D may play a role in reducing the risk of certain types of cancer. Maintaining adequate vitamin D levels through sunlight exposure, diet, or supplementation may be essential in promoting overall health and reducing the risk of malignant diseases.
Keywords
cancer prevention; malignant diseases; vitamin D
Hrčak ID:
306278
URI
Publication date:
19.7.2023.
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