Vitamin D and colon cancer: 5 ways the Sunshine Vitamin lowers colon carcinoma risk

Vitamin D health benefits: Vitamin D helps prevent malignant cell development in the colon by suppressing the growth of cells, enhancing immune responsiveness, and decreasing the inflammatory response (Image: Canva)

Vitamin D, also known as sunshine vitamin, is more than your bone's best friend. Latest research suggests that Vitamin D can lower the risk of colon carcinoma — the world's second largest killer from cancer.

Vitamin D helps prevent malignant cell development in the colon by suppressing the growth of cells, enhancing immune responsiveness, and decreasing the inflammatory response.

The best way to avoid colon cancer is through prevention. When delivered through supplements, Vitamin D acts on the cellular level to turn off growth pathways and inflammation from the colon lining, says Dr Ananya Mehta, Oncologist and Nutrition Researcher at Global Health Institute. Vitamin D helps the body detect and eliminate precancerous cells at an earlier stage, the expert suggests.

Vitamin D attaches to specialised receptors in colon cells, which in turn affect the genes that control cell division and repair. Thus, it prevents excessive reproductive activity of the cells, which is a manifestation of cancer.

One of the most common properties of tumor cells is their intrinsic ability to resist cell death mechanisms. Vitamin D promotes the apoptosis of abnormal cells, preventing the formation of potential tumors before they have the chance to form.

There is a known link between chronic inflammation and colon cancer. Vitamin D can also reduce inflammation, which provides a better microbiome environment that is not so conducive to cancer changes.

A strong immune system is a key player in identification and removal of abnormal cells. Vitamin D increases immune response, so the body can identify and eliminate precancerous cells sooner.

Recent studies indicate that Vitamin D helps to keep a balanced gut microbiome, which in turn seems to help maintain a healthy intestinal wall, further preventing colon cancer.

Sunlight exposure is the main source from which the body makes Vitamin D in the skin. Deficiencies can occur if you are staying too much indoor, sunscreen use and the seasons. Food sources that can give adequate Vitamin D are fatty fish (salmon, tuna, mackerel), fortified dairy products, and eggs.