Latest news with #SemmelweisUniversity
Daily Mail
21-04-2025
- Health
- Daily Mail
Key vitamin supplement slashes the risk of colon cancer, study finds
Taking vitamin D could help you avoid colon cancer, Hungarian research suggests. The nutrient was linked to both reducing the odds of developing the disease and improving the outcomes among patients that did, the researchers said. Also known as the 'sunshine vitamin' people get vitamin D from exposure to sunlight as well as from foods like oily fish, red meat and egg yolks. However, the authors of the new study warned that Europeans, especially those living in cities, were at increased risk of having a deficiency. As such they highlighted the potential use of vitamin D supplements, available for about 2p per pill at high-street pharmacies. Their findings comes amid a mysterious rise in colon cancer among young adults, with diagnoses having shot up 80 per cent in 30 years. In new study, Hungarian experts conducted an analysis of 50 previous studies, involving more than 1.3million patients. They found that people with an adequate intake of vitamin D were between 25 to 58 per cent less likely to develop colon cancer. Researchers also found taking a vitamin D supplement was specifically linked to a 4 per cent reduced risk of colon cancer for ever 2.5micrograms consumed. The NHS recommends every adult and child above the age of one get 10micrograms of vitamin D each day. The Hungarian review also found evidence that colon cancer patients with high levels of the vitamin had better outcomes. Experts cited one trial which found late stage colon cancer patients given a high daily dose of vitamin D lived two months longer, on average. Other past studies have shown patients with bowel cancer, another name for colon cancer, with higher vitamin D levels are 50 per cent less likely to die from the disease. Vitamin D may be providing anti-cancer benefits by combatting the inflammation that can trigger changes that become cancer, as well as helping kill cancer cells and inhibiting tumour growth by boosting the body's immune system, the researchers said. Study author Professor János Tamás Varga, from Semmelweis University, told Fox News Digital: 'Vitamin D plays a critical role in the prevention and treatment of colorectal cancer.' He added: 'The results suggest that the effect of vitamin D may depend on factors such as the dosage, the individual condition of the patients and the duration of treatment.' Bowel cancer can cause you to have blood in your poo, a change in bowel habit, a lump inside your bowel which can cause an obstructions. Some people also suffer with weight loss a s a result of these symptoms In the study, published in the journal Nutrients, the experts also highlighted how vulnerable many people are of having a vitamin D deficiency. 'Urban populations, where air pollution and dense infrastructure limit sunlight exposure, are at greater risk,' they They said this was especially a risk among European populations. 'Approximately 40 per cent of Europeans are considered vitamin D deficient, with 13 per cent classified as severely deficient,' they wrote. British data as many as two in five adults may be vitamin D deficient during the winter months when there are fewer daylight hours. The Hungarian experts, while confident in the link between vitamin D and colon cancer prevention and treatment, acknowledged their study did have some limitations. They noted that the studies they used in their analysis used different vitamin D dosages and involved patients at various stages of cancer. As such they said further research was needed to determine the optimal potential dosage of vitamin D and of its effectiveness. There is still scientific debate on the links between vitamin D and cancer prevention. Charity Cancer Research UK (CRUK) states that, while research is ongoing, there is no strong evidence that having a vitamin D deficiency increases your risk of cancer. The body adds that there is also no firm evidence that taking a vitamin D supplement specifically helps prevent cancer. Separate data from the charity shows suggests bowel cancer, also called colon cancer, has seen a 52 per cent increase in incidence rates for adults aged 25 to 49 since the early 1990s. Some scientists have suggested increasing pollution might be to blame, while others say the trend is due to growing consumption of ultra-processed food. CRUK while acknowledging the rise, stresses that bowel cancer rates in younger adults are still low, with only around one in 20 diagnosed in people under 50. There are around 2,600 new bowel cancer cases in people aged 25-49 in Britain every year, and around 44,100 new cases among all ages. Symptoms of the colon cancer include changes in bowel movements such as diarrhoea or constipation, needing or feeling the need to empty your bowels more or less frequently, blood in the stool, stomach pain, bloating, unexpected weight-loss and fatigue. Vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium and phosphate, vital nutrients for keeping bones, teeth, nerves muscles healthy. It also helps keep the immune system functioning correctly. A lack of the vitamin can lead to bone problems, including rickets a condition that causes bone pain, bone weakness and can lead to deformities. The NHS states most people will be able to get the vitamin D they need from sunlight between April to the end of September. However, during the darker months all British adults and children over the age of one are advised to take a vitamin D supplement to keep their levels up. Some people are advised to consider taking supplements throughout the year. This includes people with darker skin tones — that causes less vitamin D to be absorbed — and those who are housebound and don't get as much natural light. But people should be careful not to have too much vitamin D. The NHS warns taking too much vitamin D over a long time can be detrimental to our health. As vitamin D helps absorb calcium too much can cause a condition called hypercalcaemia. This can ironically cause bones to become weaker as well as damage the kidneys and the heart. As such the NHS recommends people don't take more than 100micrograms of vitamin D per day unless specifically advised to by their doctor. The amount of vitamin D in the body can be determined by a blood test – and the results are reported in units of nanomoles per litre, written as nmol/l. A level of 25 nmol/l or lower is considered a deficiency – this was set about two decades ago, as falling below it was linked to an increased risk of rickets.
Yahoo
19-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Colorectal cancer risk reduced by this common vitamin, study suggests
Vitamin D is widely known for boosting bone health, muscle strength and immune function, but it also has a range of other benefits — including cancer prevention. A new study published in the journal Nutrients suggests that the common vitamin is effective in preventing and treating colorectal cancer. Hungarian researchers conducted a meta-analysis of 50 previous studies that included more than 1.3 million participants, focusing on vitamin D's potential effects on cancer risk, immunity and inflammation. Common Vitamin Shown To Reduce Autoimmune Disease "The most important finding is that vitamin D plays a critical role in the prevention and treatment of colorectal cancer," study author János Tamás Varga, PhD, associate professor at Semmelweis University in Budapest, told Fox News Digital. "Our research clearly supports the strong correlation between 25-hydroxyvitamin D (the primary form of vitamin D) levels and cancer outcomes." Read On The Fox News App Cancer patients with low vitamin D levels showed poorer prognoses. Vitamin D has been shown to reduce inflammation, promote the death of cancer cells, inhibit tumor growth and enhance immune response, the researchers found. Vitamin D Deficiency Linked To Dementia In Certain Populations When Levels Are Very Low: Study "These mechanisms significantly influence the pathophysiology of colorectal cancer," Varga noted. In addition to prevention, vitamin D supplementation was also shown to improve survival rates among patients with advanced-stage colorectal cancer, according to the research. "The results suggest that the effect of vitamin D may depend on factors such as the dosage, the individual condition of the patients and the duration of treatment," Vargas added. The American Cancer Society (ACS) has previously referenced studies suggesting that vitamin D could lower cancer risk, particularly colorectal cancer. "However, large studies have not found that vitamin D supplements lower the risk of colorectal polyps (pre-cancerous growths) or cancer," the ACS stated on its website. One important limitation of the research is that the studies included in the analysis used different vitamin D dosages and involved patients at various stages of cancer, the authors noted. They called for further research to accurately determine the optimal dosage and "therapeutic efficacy." "Based on our research, we recommend that individuals at high risk of colorectal cancer monitor their vitamin D levels and, if necessary, take a daily vitamin D supplement of 1000–4000 IU, especially for those with low vitamin D levels," lead study author Dr. Monika Fekete, medical doctor at Semmelweis University, told Fox News Digital. "The optimal dosage should be tailored to the individual's health condition and current vitamin D levels." For physicians, the researchers suggest routinely measuring and supplementing vitamin D levels for both prevention and treatment purposes. "Vitamin D plays a crucial role in the treatment and prevention of colorectal cancer, but further research is needed to determine the optimal dosage and the specific role of genetic factors," Fekete added. "The molecular mechanisms of vitamin D — such as the regulation of oncogenes (mutated genes that can lead to cancer) and inhibition of tumor progression — require further scientific investigation." As the effect of vitamin D is closely linked to the patient's condition, the doctor said, treatment recommendations should be personalized. Click Here To Sign Up For Our Health Newsletter The primary source of vitamin D is exposure to the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays. It can also be obtained from dietary sources, according to the ACS, including fatty fish and some mushrooms. There are also some vitamin D-fortified foods, including milk, some orange juices and cereals, the above source stated. People can also take vitamin D supplements to boost their levels. For more Health articles, visit "Most Americans do not get enough vitamin D in their diets, and many have low vitamin D levels in their blood," the ACS said on its website. "While the role of vitamin D in lowering cancer risk is still an active area of research and debate, avoiding low vitamin D levels is recommended."Original article source: Colorectal cancer risk reduced by this common vitamin, study suggests
Fox News
19-04-2025
- Health
- Fox News
Colorectal cancer risk reduced by this common vitamin, study suggests
Vitamin D is widely known for boosting bone health, muscle strength and immune function, but it also has a range of other benefits — including cancer prevention. A new study published in the journal Nutrients suggests that the common vitamin is effective in preventing and treating colorectal cancer. Hungarian researchers conducted a meta-analysis of 50 previous studies that included more than 1.3 million participants, focusing on vitamin D's potential effects on cancer risk, immunity and inflammation. "The most important finding is that vitamin D plays a critical role in the prevention and treatment of colorectal cancer," study author János Tamás Varga, PhD, associate professor at Semmelweis University in Budapest, told Fox News Digital. "Our research clearly supports the strong correlation between 25-hydroxyvitamin D (the primary form of vitamin D) levels and cancer outcomes." Cancer patients with low vitamin D levels showed poorer prognoses. Vitamin D has been shown to reduce inflammation, promote the death of cancer cells, inhibit tumor growth and enhance immune response, the researchers found. "These mechanisms significantly influence the pathophysiology of colorectal cancer," Varga noted. In addition to prevention, vitamin D supplementation was also shown to improve survival rates among patients with advanced-stage colorectal cancer, according to the research. "The results suggest that the effect of vitamin D may depend on factors such as the dosage, the individual condition of the patients and the duration of treatment," Vargas added. The American Cancer Society (ACS) has previously referenced studies suggesting that vitamin D could lower cancer risk, particularly colorectal cancer. "However, large studies have not found that vitamin D supplements lower the risk of colorectal polyps (pre-cancerous growths) or cancer," the ACS stated on its website. "The optimal dosage should be tailored to the individual's health condition and current vitamin D levels." One important limitation of the research is that the studies included in the analysis used different vitamin D dosages and involved patients at various stages of cancer, the authors noted. They called for further research to accurately determine the optimal dosage and "therapeutic efficacy." "Based on our research, we recommend that individuals at high risk of colorectal cancer monitor their vitamin D levels and, if necessary, take a daily vitamin D supplement of 1000–4000 IU, especially for those with low vitamin D levels," lead study author Dr. Monika Fekete, medical doctor at Semmelweis University, told Fox News Digital. "The optimal dosage should be tailored to the individual's health condition and current vitamin D levels." For physicians, the researchers suggest routinely measuring and supplementing vitamin D levels for both prevention and treatment purposes. "Vitamin D plays a crucial role in the treatment and prevention of colorectal cancer, but further research is needed to determine the optimal dosage and the specific role of genetic factors," Fekete added. "The molecular mechanisms of vitamin D — such as the regulation of oncogenes (mutated genes that can lead to cancer) and inhibition of tumor progression — require further scientific investigation." As the effect of vitamin D is closely linked to the patient's condition, the doctor said, treatment recommendations should be personalized. The primary source of vitamin D is exposure to the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays. It can also be obtained from dietary sources, according to the ACS, including fatty fish and some mushrooms. There are also some vitamin D-fortified foods, including milk, some orange juices and cereals, the above source stated. People can also take vitamin D supplements to boost their levels. "Most Americans do not get enough vitamin D in their diets, and many have low vitamin D levels in their blood," the ACS said on its website. "While the role of vitamin D in lowering cancer risk is still an active area of research and debate, avoiding low vitamin D levels is recommended."
Yahoo
26-02-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Mushrooms ‘could be used to treat diabetes'
Eating mushrooms could help people manage Type 2 diabetes, a study has suggested. Researchers at Semmelweis University in Budapest found that edible fungi were rich in chemicals that helped improve sensitivity to insulin, a key problem for diabetics. 'Our study reveals the remarkable potential of natural compounds in mushrooms to address key metabolic pathways,' said Dr Zsuzsanna Németh. Type 2 diabetes affects around 5.8 million people in the UK and is commonly caused by being overweight and eating an unhealthy diet. The condition can increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, vision loss and amputations. A healthy body produces the hormone insulin in the pancreas in response to eating, using it to turn the sugars in food into energy. However, in some people, cells develop resistance to the hormone and stop responding correctly. This is called insulin resistance and leads to elevated levels of sugar in the bloodstream, because it has not been converted. Dr Németh said: 'As interest grows in non-pharmacological approaches to disease prevention, this opens up exciting possibilities for using edible medicinal mushrooms as complementary agents in diabetes management.' Previous studies have shown fungi to contain medically important components such as polysaccharides, terpenoids, phenols, and heterocyclic amines. Mushroom extracts 'have anti-diabetic, anti-hyperlipidemic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, cardioprotective, anti-osteoporotic, and anti-tumour effects', the Semmelweis team wrote in their study. They found that polysaccharides – different types of sugar – in the white button mushroom can boost good gut bacteria in the human body. Sugars in the lion's mane mushroom are an antioxidant, while the shiitake mushroom has chemicals linked to reducing blood glucose levels and anti-inflammatory effects. The researchers wrote: 'Edible mushrooms, including medical mushrooms, are an important part of nutrition. They are a good source of fibre, vitamins, amino acids, and trace elements, but the most investigated are the water-soluble composites: polysaccharides. 'Polysaccharides have complex effects on the human body. They favourably modulate the intestinal microbiota, glucose, and lipid homeostasis, as well as the immune system, the combined effect of which can reduce insulin resistance. 'These effects make mushrooms, especially medicinal mushrooms, a potential part of complementary therapy for obesity and related diseases, such as Type 2 diabetes.' The research was published by the international Journal of Molecular Sciences. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
Telegraph
25-02-2025
- Health
- Telegraph
Mushrooms ‘could be used to treat diabetes'
Eating mushrooms could help people manage Type 2 diabetes, a study has suggested. Researchers at Semmelweis University in Budapest found that edible fungi were rich in chemicals that helped improve sensitivity to insulin, a key problem for diabetics. 'Our study reveals the remarkable potential of natural compounds in mushrooms to address key metabolic pathways,' said Dr Zsuzsanna Németh. Type 2 diabetes affects around 5.8 million people in the UK and is commonly caused by being overweight and eating an unhealthy diet. The condition can increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, vision loss and amputations. A healthy body produces the hormone insulin in the pancreas in response to eating, using it to turn the sugars in food into energy. However, in some people, cells develop resistance to the hormone and stop responding correctly. This is called insulin resistance and leads to elevated levels of sugar in the bloodstream, because it has not been converted. Dr Németh said: 'As interest grows in non-pharmacological approaches to disease prevention, this opens up exciting possibilities for using edible medicinal mushrooms as complementary agents in diabetes management.' Previous studies have shown fungi to contain medically important components such as polysaccharides, terpenoids, phenols, and heterocyclic amines. Mushroom extracts 'have anti-diabetic, anti-hyperlipidemic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, cardioprotective, anti-osteoporotic, and anti-tumour effects', the Semmelweis team wrote in their study. They found that polysaccharides – different types of sugar – in the white button mushroom can boost good gut bacteria in the human body. Sugars in the lion's mane mushroom are an antioxidant, while the shiitake mushroom has chemicals linked to reducing blood glucose levels and anti-inflammatory effects. The researchers wrote: 'Edible mushrooms, including medical mushrooms, are an important part of nutrition. They are a good source of fibre, vitamins, amino acids, and trace elements, but the most investigated are the water-soluble composites: polysaccharides. 'Polysaccharides have complex effects on the human body. They favourably modulate the intestinal microbiota, glucose, and lipid homeostasis, as well as the immune system, the combined effect of which can reduce insulin resistance. 'These effects make mushrooms, especially medicinal mushrooms, a potential part of complementary therapy for obesity and related diseases, such as Type 2 diabetes.'
