Private MD News

Doctors recommend obese cancer patients get more aggressive vitamin D suppl

Updated: 2009-06-18 20:56:16 CST Category: Vitamin D Deficiency-Diagnosis and Treatment

by Laurent Castellucci

The BMI of a patient should be taken into account when determining their vitamin D status, according to researchers at Cancer Treatment Centers of America (CTCA). In a study presented at the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) annual meeting earlier this month, the researchers found that obese cancer patients had significantly lower levels of vitamin D compared to non-obese patients.

"Currently, the dietary recommendations for vitamin D do not take into account a patient's BMI," said Carolyn Lammersfeld, national director of nutrition for CTCA and a principal investigator in the study.

The study consisted of 740 cancer patients seen at CTCA from January 2008 to June 2008 and found that obese cancer patients - with a BMI of 30 or greater - had significantly lower levels of vitamin D compared to non-obese patients.

The researchers concluded that BMI should be taken into account when assessing a patient's vitamin D status and more aggressive vitamin D supplementation should be considered in obese cancer patients.

The exact nature of the relationship between vitamin D and obesity is unclear, as various studies have shown conflicting results. Vitamin D deficiency has been linked to a greater risk of cancer in many studies and vitamin D tests are increasingly recommended to monitor health.

Related Articles from Private MD:

• Preventive care a major component of health reform
  
• Study: Vitamin D screening and supplementation useful for all cancer patien
  
• Vitamin D may be linked to multiple sclerosis
  
• Study: Vitamin D levels predict successful dieting
  
• Doctors: Best bet against cancer is early detection
  

Subscribe to Private MD Health News RSS Feed:

Visit the Health News Archive: Click Here

Questions about online blood testing or how to order a lab test? Click here to get started or call us toll-free at 1.877.283.7882. Our certified professionals are ready to assist you.