Vitamin C Forum

But can it help treat colorectal cancer?

To answer this question, scientists first focused on studies in animals. They foundTrusted Source that increasing vitamin D levels could lead to longer survival in mice with colorectal cancer. This intriguing research prompted an investigation of the molecule in humans.

Only a few studies on the role of vitamin D in people with colorectal cancer have been completed to date, but they’ve had encouraging results.

Researchers have found that, similarly to the results in mice, higher levels of vitamin D can delay the progression of metastatic colorectal cancer (cancer that has spread to other parts of the body) and improve the survival of people with this condition.

Overall colon cancer rates in the United States have declined steadily over the last 30 years. But rates of colon cancer in young adults have risen dramatically during this period for unknown reasons.

Diets high in the following seem to be associated with * a lower risk of colorectal cancer:

fiber
dairy
fruits
vegetables
fish
beta-carotene
vitamin C
vitamin E
vitamin D
folate