THOSE TAKING VITAMIN D SUPPLEMENTS ARE MUCH less likely to have a history of skin cancer (including melanoma) than non-users, according to Finnish researchers. Today, we look at the question, “Does vitamin D lower your melanoma risk?”
First, we’ll examine this study, recently published in Melanoma Research. Second, I want to give you some tips to reduce melanoma risk.
“Thoughts flit in and out of my mind like floating white dandelion seed-heads. What if the mole is cancerous?” ― Helen Libby
Vitamin D supplements may lower melanoma risk.
Researchers reviewed the records of 498 study participants (ages 21 to 79) attending a dermatology clinic. All of the subjects reported their vitamin D supplement use.
Among the study group, 295 had a history of present or past skin cancer, including 100 with melanoma, 41 with squamous cell carcinoma, and 213 with basal cell carcinoma. An additional 70 had a history of other cancer types (including breast, prostate, bladder, kidney, intestines, and blood forms).
The researchers separately analyzed 96 patients who were immunocompromised.
Here are the study results:
Regular vitamin D users had a more than halving (55 percent relative reduction) in the odds of having a past or current melanoma diagnosis. There were significantly fewer individuals in the regular vitamin D use group with a past or present history of melanoma compared with the nonuse group, at 18 versus 32 percent.
Regular vitamin D use was associated with being more educated, less frequent outdoor working, lower tobacco pack years, and more frequent solarium exposure.
Vitamin D and skin cancer risk — My take
The study demonstrates an association between vitamin D supplement use and a lower skin melanoma risk. However, while the researchers tried to control for potential confounding factors, other factors may play a role.
In this context, no causal association between vitamin D and melanoma is suggested by this study. Based on this study, I am making no changes in my vitamin D supplementation strategy.
In summary, it is too early to know if vitamin D supplementation lowers skin melanoma risk. In Seattle, we don’t get much daylight in the winter, so I try to get vitamin D by traveling to Hawaii. Alternatively, I could take vitamin D3, not exceeding 4,000 international units (IU) daily.
In the USA, the current daily recommendations for vitamin D include the following:
- Birth to 12 months: 10 micrograms (400 international units)
- Children 1–13 years: 15 mcg (600 IU)
- Teens 14–18 years: 15 mcg (600 IU)
- Adults 19–70 years: 15 mcg (600 IU)
- Adults 71 years and older: 20 mcg (800 IU)
- Pregnant and nursing people: 15 mcg (600 IU)
Please consult your healthcare provider before taking supplements, especially given they are regulated by the US Food & Drug Administration as food, not drugs.
Lower your melanoma risk
- The most important tool to lower your melanoma risk is to protect yourself against ultraviolet (UV) rays. Have good sun safety practices when you are outdoors.
- Avoid tanning beds and sunlamps.
- Watch for abnormal moles.
- Avoid weakening your immune system when possible.
Full disclosure
The Cancer Center of Eastern Finland of the University of Eastern Finland, the Finnish Cancer Research Foundation, and the VTR-funding of Kuopio University Hospital provided study support. The authors report no relevant financial relationships.
The information I provided in this blog is for educational purposes only and does not substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult a medical professional or healthcare provider if you seek medical advice, diagnoses, or treatment. I am not liable for risks or issues associated with using or acting upon the information in this blog.
Thank you for joining me for my piece “Does Vitamin D Lower Your Melanoma Risk?” One more thing:
