Scientists at the Botucatu School of Medicine, São Paulo State University (Brazil) conducted a study on 80 breast cancer patients, over the age of 45, who began cancer treatment at the hospital of the Botucatu School of Medicine, São Paulo State University.
Chemotherapy effectiveness increased by low-dose vitamin D supplementation alone
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Participants were divided into two groups: One group of 40 people took 2,000 IU (international units) of vitamin D every day, while the other 40 people took a placebo.
They all underwent chemotherapy to shrink the tumor before surgery.
Most participants had low blood vitamin D levels, meaning less than 20 ng/mL, compared with the recommended range of 40–70 ng/mL.
In those who received the supplement, vitamin D levels increased during chemotherapy, which contributed to the patients' recovery, said Professor Carvalho-Pessoa.
Vitamin D supplementation increases the effectiveness of chemotherapy
The results were surprising, low-dose vitamin D supplementation nearly doubled the effectiveness of chemotherapy.
Specifically, after 6 months of treatment, 43% of those taking vitamin D had their tumors disappear after chemotherapy, compared to 24% in the placebo group. This means that taking vitamin D increased the effectiveness of chemotherapy by 1.79 times, according to Scitech Daily.
New findings pave the way for further research into the supportive role of vitamin D in cancer treatment efficacy
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Even with such a small number of participants, a significant difference in the effectiveness of chemotherapy was observed, said study author Professor Eduardo Carvalho-Pessoa, from the Botucatu School of Medicine. In addition, the dose used in the study (2,000 IU per day) was quite low.
The findings suggest that vitamin D could be an alternative to other drugs designed to boost the effectiveness of chemotherapy, especially those that are hard to find.
Vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium and phosphorus, both of which are needed for healthy bones. Recent research also shows that vitamin D supports the immune system and fights infections and diseases, including cancer. However, most studies on the link between vitamin D and cancer have used high doses of vitamin D.
For researchers, these findings pave the way for further research into the supportive role of vitamin D in cancer treatment efficacy.
These are encouraging results that should be used as a basis for larger studies, which will allow a better understanding of the role of vitamin D in enhancing the effectiveness of chemotherapy and, in turn, increasing the likelihood of cancer remission, concludes Professor Carvalho-Pessoa.
Vitamin D is mainly absorbed through exposure to sunlight and food. It is important to note that taking too much vitamin D can cause vomiting, muscle weakness, bone pain and kidney stones, according to Scitech Daily.
Source: https://thanhnien.vn/dot-pha-tang-gan-gap-doi-hieu-qua-hoa-tri-bang-loai-vitamin-quen-thuoc-185250628193339396.htm
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