Prostate cancer and vitamin D: what does the evidence really suggest?

Urol Clin North Am. 2011 Aug;38(3):333-42. doi: 10.1016/j.ucl.2011.04.007. Epub 2011 Jun 14.

Abstract

The optimal approach to vitamin D supplementation for the average healthy person is debatable. In patients with cancer, the role of vitamin D supplementation, possibly in treatment, is even less clear. Vitamin D is shown to play a role in prostate cancer biology; however, the clinical data have not consistently demonstrated a link. Additional studies are needed to determine if higher doses of vitamin D supplements could benefit selected populations (ie, the elderly or patients with cancer) even if they may not be beneficial for the general population.

MeSH terms

  • Dietary Supplements*
  • Evidence-Based Medicine
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Prostatic Neoplasms / therapy*
  • Vitamin D / physiology
  • Vitamin D / therapeutic use*
  • Vitamins / physiology
  • Vitamins / therapeutic use*

Substances

  • Vitamins
  • Vitamin D