CANCER AND VITAMIN D

Abstract

Cancer mortality is one of the most common causes of death worldwide. Vitamin D (cholecalciferol) effects have always been associated with calcium homeostasis regulation. However, many epidemiological, biochemical and genetic studies in the last decades have shown other important vitamin D effects over the progression of different types of cancer. The aim of the present article is to review distinct aspects about the mechanisms of action and molecular effects of vitamin D and its metabolites and the epidemiological data to correlate them to cancer and its prevention and treatment. The study of the effects of vitamin D has become broad: new genes, new targets, different mechanisms. Suitable vitamin levels D are necessary for many physiological processes, and not only for the maintenance of calcium homeostasis. The clinical studies might review the recommendations on vitamin D doses that can also protect against the development of the cancer.