Vitamin D3 prevents all types of cancer
evidence
The Claim
Some people believe that taking Vitamin D3 supplements can prevent all forms of cancer due to its role in regulating cell growth and immune function.
Origin
This myth likely stems from early observational studies and media reports highlighting a correlation between higher Vitamin D levels and lower cancer incidence.
What Science Says
While some studies, including meta-analyses, suggest that higher Vitamin D levels might be associated with a lower risk of certain cancers, such as colorectal cancer, evidence is inconsistent across cancer types. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have not consistently shown that Vitamin D3 supplementation significantly reduces cancer risk overall. For example, the VITAL trial found no significant reduction in invasive cancer incidence with Vitamin D supplementation.
Verdict
Mostly False
Sources
- PMID:31405892 Association between vitamin D supplementation and mortality: systematic review and meta-analysis.
- PMID:26510847 Calcium plus vitamin D supplementation and risk of fractures: an updated meta-analysis from the National Osteoporosis Foundation.
- PMID:37004841 Efficacy of vitamin D<sub>3</sub> supplementation on cancer mortality: Systematic review and individual patient data meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials.