According to Roger Rose, RPh, “Vitamin D deficiency may increase the odds that some men who already are at high risk for prostate cancer will have an aggressive form of the disease,” according to a study published in Clinical Cancer Research. African American men typically have lower levels of vitamin D than European American men because dark skin has more melanin, which blocks ultraviolet rays that trigger vitamin D production. Among African American men, those with a 25-OH D level below 20 mg/mL were 2.4 times more likely to be diagnosed with prostate cancer than those with higher levels. African American and European American men with 25-OH D levels below 12 mg/mL were respectively 5 times or 3.7 times more likely to have aggressive prostate cancer and respectively 4.2 or 2.4 times more likely to have a tumor in a more advanced stage. Adam Murphy, MD, of Northwestern University suggests that vitamin D supplements may help prevent tumor progression in men with prostate cancer. Ask our pharmacist to recommend the best type of vitamin D supplement for each member of your family 928-684-4380.
18March