While vitamin D is mostly known for its role in bone health, there’s a strong connection between this essential nutrient and prostate health as well. It has proven beneficial effects on enlarged prostate, prostatitis, and prostate cancer.
Vitamin D Basics
Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin, which means it requires fat for proper absorption and utilization in the body. It can be found in a limited number of foods and is often added to certain items like milk and cereals. Additionally, vitamin D supplements are available in various forms, and our body also produces it when sun exposure reaches our skin.
For vitamin D to become active in the body, it must first be converted by the liver into 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D], and then again by the kidneys into the active form 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D [1,25(OH)2D]. Since 25(OH)D remains in the body much longer than the other form, it is the level that should ideally be tested when determining vitamin D levels.
But how much vitamin D do you actually need every day? While the Institute of Medicine recommends 600 International Units daily for adults, the Vitamin D Council recommends a much higher amount at 5,000 IU. It is essential to consult with your healthcare provider and have your current vitamin D levels tested to determine the proper intake for your individual needs.
Vitamin D and Prostate Health
Several studies have shown a link between vitamin D and enlarged prostate, also known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). For instance, in the Prostate Cancer Prevention Trial, researchers identified weak evidence suggesting that supplemental vitamin D reduced the risk of BPH. It is also believed that men with low levels of vitamin D may be at a greater risk of developing an enlarged prostate or even prostate cancer.
Research examining vitamin D levels in 977 randomly selected men being studied for the presence of prostate disease found that lower levels of vitamin D were more common in men who developed BPH and prostate cancer. In another study published in the Journal of Autoimmunity, vitamin D receptor modulation was found to hold the promise of interfering with autoimmune prostatitis, indicating a potential protective effect for those suffering from this condition.
However, the relationship between vitamin D and prostate cancer is not entirely clear. Some experts argue that currently published literature provides little evidence to support a major role of vitamin D in preventing prostate cancer or preventing its progression. In contrast, a study from Stanford University School of Medicine found that the active form of vitamin D (calcitriol) inhibited the growth of blood vessels that nourish tumors and the cancer’s invasion and spread. As such, they concluded that this form of vitamin D should be evaluated in clinical trials in prostate cancer patients with early or precancerous conditions.
Conclusion
Men should be mindful of the essential benefits vitamin D provides to both their prostate and overall health. To ensure they are getting the right amount and form of this nutrient, consulting a healthcare provider is a must. Testing current vitamin D levels and discussing the results with a professional will ensure each man adjusts their intake according to their individual needs and health goals.
