Vitamin D may protect prostate cells against cancer
Scientists have found that vitamin D may help to protect healthy prostate cells against damage that can lead to cancer.
A University of Rochester team led by Dr Yi-Fen Lee found that vitamin D causes a certain gene to increase production of an enzyme which protects cells against oxidative stress.
The enzyme, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, helps to clear potentially damaging reactive oxygen species, which are produced by the body in response to chemicals and some types of radiation, from cells.
Dr Lee, who is associate professor of urology at the University of Rochester Medical Centre, commented: "Many epidemiological studies have suggested the beneficial properties of vitamin D.
"Our findings reflect what we see in those studies and demonstrate that vitamin D not only can be used as a therapy for prostate cancer, it can prevent prostate cancer from happening."
The expert added: "Taking a supplement is especially important for senior citizens and others who might have less circulation of vitamin D, and for people who live and work areas where there is less sunshine."
The findings are published in the International Journal of Cancer.
Scientists have found that vitamin D may help to protect healthy prostate cells against damage that can lead to cancer.
