vitamin D: prostate cancer prohibitor

Filed in archive Investigational , Studies on February 9, 2006

The University of Rochester Medical Center scientists reported that Vitamin D can inhibit the spread of prostate cancer cells by limiting the activity of two specific enzymes-proteases called matrix metalloproteinase and cathepsin.

Consequently, the finding means that vitamin D could provide beneficial treatment to prostate cancer patients with high levels of these enzymes.

The vitamin D used in the study is 1,25-hydroxylvitamin D3, the most potent and active form of vitamin D in the human body. But Lee and otherscientists at the Medical Center's James P. Wilmot Cancer Centerdo not advise taking large amounts of vitamin D without medicalsupervision.

"This high dose has some side effects, including increasing blood calcium levels and causing kidney problems" said Edward M. Messing, M.D., chair of Urology at the Medical Center. "It should not be taken without prescription and a physician monitoring the side effects."

To enrich on Vitamin D, the best way is to drink milk, get modest exposure to the sun, and take Vitamin D pills.

Sources: [EurekAlert] and [University of Rochester Medical Center]