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Both high and low levels of blood vitamin D are associated with a higher prostate cancer risk: A longitudinal, nested case‐control study in the Nordic countries
Author(s) -
Tuohimaa Pentti,
Tenkanen Leena,
Ahonen Merja,
Lumme Sonja,
Jellum Egil,
Hallmans Göran,
Stattin Pär,
Harvei Sverre,
Hakulinen Timo,
Luostarinen Tapio,
Dillner Joakim,
Lehtinen Matti,
Hakama Matti
Publication year - 2003
Publication title -
international journal of cancer
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.475
H-Index - 234
eISSN - 1097-0215
pISSN - 0020-7136
DOI - 10.1002/ijc.11375
Subject(s) - prostate cancer , vitamin d and neurology , medicine , nested case control study , prostate , endocrinology , cancer , vitamin , vitamin d deficiency , case control study , physiology
Vitamin D inhibits the development and growth of prostate cancer cells. Epidemiologic results on serum vitamin D levels and prostate cancer risk have, however, been inconsistent. We conducted a longitudinal nested case‐control study on Nordic men (Norway, Finland and Sweden) using serum banks of 200,000 samples. We studied serum 25(OH)‐vitamin D levels of 622 prostate cancer cases and 1,451 matched controls and found that both low (≤19 nmol/l) and high (≥80 nmol/l) 25(OH)‐vitamin D serum concentrations are associated with higher prostate cancer risk. The normal average serum concentration of 25(OH)‐vitamin D (40–60 nmol/l) comprises the lowest risk of prostate cancer. The U‐shaped risk of prostate cancer might be due to similar 1,25‐dihydroxyvitamin D 3 availability within the prostate: low vitamin D serum concentration apparently leads to a low tissue concentration and to weakened mitotic control of target cells, whereas a high vitamin D level might lead to vitamin D resistance through increased inactivation by enhanced expression of 24‐hydroxylase. It is recommended that vitamin D deficiency be supplemented, but too high vitamin D serum level might also enhance cancer development. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.