vitamin therapy

[mcgraw48]

Can anyone share with me what kind of vitamin therapy I can implement for loved one with rectal cancer? Has already had colostomy surgery. Not started any chemo/rad therapy as of now. I am trying to get him s strength built up before all the treatments start. He is on some pain meds that seem to give constipation.Also what kind of foods should he eat? He is open to anything that will not interact with Hydocodone and morphine. TU

[Red_Star]

"Vitamin D levels:

There are numerous studies of the link between vitamin D and colorectal cancer rates. Such studies generally find that rates drop rapidly as vitamin D levels rise above 5-10 ng/mL (12-25 nmol/L), then more slowly until levels of 40 ng/mL (100 nmol/L) are reached.

How vitamin D works:

Vitamin D blocks the growth of cancer tumors. The active form of vitamin D, calcitriol, does most of the work. Calcitriol is made in the liver and in various organs affected by cancer. This form of vitamin D offers several benefits:

* Activates vitamin D receptors, which turn genes on and off

* Prevents cancer from starting (Calcitriol encourages cells to either adapt to their new organ or commit apoptosis [cell suicide].)

* Keeps surface layers of organs intact

* Limits blood supply to the tumor

* Reduces the spread of cancer

* Increases absorption of calcium from the intestines (Calcium may reduce the risk of colorectal cancer.)

Prevention:

Based on studies of colon and rectal cancer, vitamin D levels above 40 ng/mL (100 nmol/L) may reduce the risk of cancer. Taking 1000–4000 international units (IU) (25–100 mcg)/day of vitamin D may lower colorectal cancer risk.

Vitamin D and calcium
Studies have shown that taking both vitamin D and calcium provides additional cancer protection for many types of cancer. Calcium intake of more than 1000 mg/day from either diet or supplements is recommended.

Patients in one study took daily doses of 1100 IU (27.5 mcg) vitamin D and 1450 mg calcium. These patients had a 77% reduction in all-cancer rates between the ends of the first and fourth years of the study compared to those taking a placebo."

Excerpt from Vitamin D Council - "Colorectal Cancer"

[Red_Star]

"Treatment

People with higher vitamin D levels at time of colorectal cancer diagnosis have better outcomes.

Harvard University studied patients with this cancer and vitamin D levels of about 25 ng/mL (63 nmol/L) or 31 ng/mL (78 nmol/L). Patients with higher vitamin D levels had half the death rates compared of those with lower vitamin D levels. A Japanese study found a similar effect for rectal cancer but not colon cancer.

Neither of these studies used vitamin D to treat colorectal cancer. However, vitamin D supplements may increase survival rates. Some cancer treatment centers are giving patients 5000 IU/day of vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol)."