Obesity and cancer: the role of vitamin D.

ABSTRACT:

Background

It is estimated that 20% of all cancer cases are caused by obesity. Vitamin D is thought to be one of the mechanisms underlying this association. This review aims to summarise the evidence for the mediating effect of vitamin D on the link between obesity and cancer.

Methods

Three literature searches using PubMed and Embase were conducted to assess whether vitamin D plays an important role in the pathway between obesity and cancer: (1) obesity and cancer; (2) obesity and vitamin D; and (3) vitamin D and cancer. A systematic review was performed for (1) and (3), whereas a meta-analysis including random effects analyses was performed for (2).

Results

(1) 32 meta-analyses on obesity and cancer were identified; the majority reported a positive association betwee

SUBMITTER: Shanmugalingam T 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4182855 | biostudies-literature | 2014 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature