Researchers found Vitamin D may check chemotherapy effects

Gastrointestinal mucositis is one adverse outcome of chemotherapy that has plagued cancer sufferers for years and, for which, no effective treatment currently exists.

The findings showed that vitamin D could potentially mitigate inflamed intestinal tracts and provide relief to cancer patients.

The study, published in the journal Supportive and Palliative Care, highlights the limited options for easing the gastrointestinal side effects of chemotherapy, singling out Vitamin D and probiotics as the most promising.

"We already know that Vitamin D helps in the absorption of calcium, but new findings suggest it may also play an important role in chemotherapy-induced intestinal mucositis," said study lead author Cyan Sylvester from the University of South Australia.

"The severity and progression of various gastrointestinal diseases, such as irritable bowel syndrome and colorectal cancer, is associated with Vitamin D deficiency," Sylvester added.

"It appears that Vitamin D helps suppress inflammation and enhances the function of T-cells which boosts immunity," she explained.

Vitamin D is also thought to improve the efficacy of certain anti-cancer drugs. (IANS)

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