04.01.10
Nutraceutical: Vitamin D
Indication: Colorectal cancer
Source: BMJ, January 21, 2010;340:b5500.
Research: Researchers set out to examine the association between pre-diagnostic circulating vitamin D concentration, dietary intake of vitamin D and calcium, and the risk of colorectal cancer in European populations. The study was conducted within the EPIC study, a cohort of more than 520,000 participants from 10 western European countries. Approximately 1248 cases of incident colorectal cancer, which developed after enrollment into the cohort, were matched to 1248 controls. Circulating vitamin D concentration (25-hydroxy-vitamin-D, 25-(OH)D) was measured by enzyme immunoassay. Dietary and lifestyle data were obtained from questionnaires.
Results: 25-(OH)D concentration showed a strong inverse linear dose-response association with risk of colorectal cancer. Compared with a pre-defined mid-level concentration of 25-(OH)D (50.0-75.0 nmol/l), lower levels were associated with higher colorectal cancer risk and higher concentrations associated with lower risk. Patients in the highest quintile had a 40% lower risk of colorectal cancer than did those in the lowest quintile. Subgroup analyses showed a strong association for colon but not rectal cancer. Greater dietary intake of calcium was associated with a lower colorectal cancer risk. Dietary vitamin D was not associated with disease risk. The results of this large observational study indicate a strong inverse association between levels of pre-diagnostic 25-(OH)D concentration and risk of colorectal cancer in western European populations. However, researchers believe randomized trials are needed to assess whether increases in circulating 25-(OH)D concentration can effectively decrease the risk of colorectal cancer.
Indication: Colorectal cancer
Source: BMJ, January 21, 2010;340:b5500.
Research: Researchers set out to examine the association between pre-diagnostic circulating vitamin D concentration, dietary intake of vitamin D and calcium, and the risk of colorectal cancer in European populations. The study was conducted within the EPIC study, a cohort of more than 520,000 participants from 10 western European countries. Approximately 1248 cases of incident colorectal cancer, which developed after enrollment into the cohort, were matched to 1248 controls. Circulating vitamin D concentration (25-hydroxy-vitamin-D, 25-(OH)D) was measured by enzyme immunoassay. Dietary and lifestyle data were obtained from questionnaires.
Results: 25-(OH)D concentration showed a strong inverse linear dose-response association with risk of colorectal cancer. Compared with a pre-defined mid-level concentration of 25-(OH)D (50.0-75.0 nmol/l), lower levels were associated with higher colorectal cancer risk and higher concentrations associated with lower risk. Patients in the highest quintile had a 40% lower risk of colorectal cancer than did those in the lowest quintile. Subgroup analyses showed a strong association for colon but not rectal cancer. Greater dietary intake of calcium was associated with a lower colorectal cancer risk. Dietary vitamin D was not associated with disease risk. The results of this large observational study indicate a strong inverse association between levels of pre-diagnostic 25-(OH)D concentration and risk of colorectal cancer in western European populations. However, researchers believe randomized trials are needed to assess whether increases in circulating 25-(OH)D concentration can effectively decrease the risk of colorectal cancer.