A Review of the Role Portrayed by Vitamin D in Cancer

Abstract

Vitamin D, also known as calcitriol, is not only one of the fat soluble vitamins but is a versatile hormone. Besides taking part in calcium homeostasis in the body and taking care of the bone health, it performs a number of important functions in the body. It can be synthesized by the body in presence of sunlight as well as can be derived from few dietary sources. Recently it has been observed that deficiency of vitamin D is rampant in general population around the world. Deficiency of vitamin D [1,25-(OH) 2 D 3 ] has now been associated with a variety of clinical diseases including cancer. Though the exact mechanism involved is not clear yet, a number of theories have been put forward for the role played by vitamin D in protection against cancer. For this effect, important actions include anti-inflammatory, anti-proliferative, anti-angiogenic and pro-apoptotic which are able to abet cancer at any stage. Anti-cancer action of vitamin D is seen in prevention of all the stages of carcinogenesis. It helps to improve the efficacy of chemotherapy as well as radiotherapy in the treatment while helping in minimizing or avoiding the adverse effect associated. But further research is still needed to establish all the claims.