Dr Manish Singhal - The best Cancer Specialist in Delhi
Which Cancers Are Associated with A Deficiency in Vitamin D and Vitamin B?
Vitamin deficiency occurs when the body does not get enough of one or more of these essential nutrients, resulting in a variety of health problems. This deficiency can be caused by insufficient dietary intake, impaired absorption, or increased demand due to illness.
Recent studies have revealed specific links between vitamin deficiencies and increased risk of developing cancers, although further studies are required on this topic. Vitamin D and vitamin B are crucial elements for maintaining our health and keeping the immune system strong.
Recent research has suggested that the deficiency of vitamin D and vitamin B may lead to the development of certain types of cancer. Our cancer doctor in Noida has indicated how low levels of these vitamins for a prolonged time could lead to the risks of developing cancer.
Here, we’ll develop awareness of the link between vitamin D and vitamin B deficiencies and the cancer risk.
Vitamin D Deficiency and Potential Cancer Risks
Vitamin D is a group of fat-soluble hormones and prohormones, that help the body to absorb calcium and phosphorus – two essential elements for strong bones and teeth. It also plays a crucial role in regulating cell growth and inflammation.
Although the relationship between vitamin D levels and cancer risk is being extensively researched, multiple studies and our experienced cancer specialist in Noida observed that insufficient levels of vitamin D can invite the potential risks of the following cancer types –
Colorectal Cancer: Vitamin D protects the colon by preventing the unnatural growth of cancer cells and destroying abnormal cells. A vitamin D deficiency makes humans more susceptible to developing colorectal or colon cancer.
An experienced colon cancer doctor in Noida has consistently observed that people with higher levels of vitamin D are less prone to developing colon cancer.
Breast Cancer: Research shows that low levels of vitamin D can increase of risk of breast cancer. Vitamin D helps in controlling the growth of breast cells as the receptors of this vitamin are present in breast tissues.
Women with low levels of vitamin D for a prolonged period are prone to develop breast cancer, especially premenopausal breast cancer.
Clinical trials are being conducted to observe the potential benefits of adding vitamin D supplements and other therapies for breast cancer treatment In Noida and several other places.
Prostate Cancer: Research has shown the possible link between the risk of prostate cancer and vitamin D deficiency; however, the evidence is yet to be established. Although there is no conclusive link that can show that the low level of vitamin D can promote the growth of prostate cancer cells, doctors often suggest maintaining adequate levels of this vitamin as a prevention factor for prostate cancer.
Vitamin B Deficiency and Potential Cancer Risk
Vitamin B, often referred to as the energy vitamin is actually a group of eight essential vitamins, including B1 (thiamine), B2 (riboflavin), B3 (niacin), B5 (pantothenic acid), B6 (pyridoxine), B7 (biotin), B9 (folate), and B12 (cobalamin).
Each of these vitamins is essential for energy metabolism, growth of nerve and blood cells, DNA production and cell repair. A deficiency of any of these groups of vitamins can lead to an increased risk of the following cancers –
Gastrointestinal Cancers
There is a possible link between vitamin B12 deficiency and gastrointestinal cancers, such as –
Pancreatic Cancer: Due to the deficiency of B12, some enzymes required for the process of food digestion are highly affected, leading to the risk of developing pancreatic cancer.
Stomach Cancer: Low levels of vitamin B12 are possibly linked to a higher risk of stomach cancer, likely because of its role in maintaining a healthy immune system and supporting DNA repair mechanisms.
Blood Cancers
Prolonged deficiency of B12 may lead to the deadly cancerous stage of hematologic malignancy like leukaemia or lymphoma. A cancer doctor in Noida explains the reasons –
Bone Marrow Suppression: Due to the decreased level of B12, the bone marrow production of red blood cells is affected, which can lead to certain types of blood cancer.
Anaemia and Cancer: Vitamin B12 deficiency is also manifested by anaemia, which occurs due to the consequences of blood cancers. People often confuse anaemia with blood cancer. While blood cancer is a disease that affects the production of healthy blood cells, the deficiency of vitamin B12 often worsens the disease.
Breast Cancer
Vitamin B9 deficiency can affect regulating genes required for cell growth. As a result, the lack of this vitamin increases the risk of developing breast cancer. Doctors and researchers often recommend maintaining the balance of folate levels for breast cancer treatment In Delhi, whereas the link between folate and cancer is complex.
Final Thought
Vitamins are essential nutrients in maintaining our body’s overall functionality, supporting growth, and preventing illnesses. Each vitamin serves different purposes – from energy production to boosting immunity.
While deficiency of these vitamins may highlight the risk of cancer, it’s important to note that cancer occurs due to multifactorial reasons. Hence, factors like diet, genes, lifestyle and environmental exposures also contribute to the development of this deadly disease.
Dr. Manish Singhal, the best oncologist in Delhi NCR always suggests Maintaining adequate levels of these vitamins through a balanced diet, sun exposure (for vitamin D), lifestyle change or supplements (if needed) to reduce the risk of cancer.
