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Vitamin D is often seen as a protective nutrient against everything from weak bones to chronic disease – and colon cancer is often added to that list. But does popping supplements really reduce your risk, or is the science more nuanced than social media suggests? Before taking vitamin D, it’s important to understand who actually benefits, when it helps, and when more is not necessarily better.
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Dr. Joseph Salhab, Florida gastroenterologist and health content creator specializing in digestion, liver, pancreas and nutritionBreaking down the link between vitamin D and colon cancer risk. In an Instagram video posted on December 16, the gastroenterologist explained whether maintaining optimal levels of vitamin D actually reduces the risk of colon cancer.
Vitamin D deficiency and risk of colon cancer
According to Dr. Salhab, vitamin D deficiency is linked to a higher risk of colon cancer – especially in women – so optimal levels are needed to reduce risk. He explains, “In general, if you are deficient in vitamin D, as vitamin D levels increase, the risk of colon cancer generally goes down, even in early colon cancer in younger people. “And this is especially true for women because estrogen can help with the effects of vitamin D.”
He adds that improving vitamin D levels may also improve treatment outcomes and survival rates in people already diagnosed with colon cancer.
Optimal Vitamin D Levels and Colon Cancer
However, Dr. Salhab clarifies that this protective effect does not apply to people who already have optimal levels of vitamin D, and supplementing with more than that does not reduce the risk. “For those who are already in the optimal range, adding more supplements has not consistently provided that benefit,” he says.
To reduce colon cancer risk, gastroenterologists recommend getting your vitamin D levels checked – especially for women – and discussing with a doctor if a deficiency is found how to safely reach the optimal range.
Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. It is based on user-generated content from social media. HT.com has not independently verified the claims and does not endorse them.
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