Evidence supporting the use of: Vitamin D
For the health condition: Leukemia

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

Vitamin D has been investigated as a potential adjunct in the treatment of leukemia, particularly acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Laboratory studies have demonstrated that the active form of vitamin D, calcitriol (1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3), can induce differentiation and apoptosis (programmed cell death) in certain leukemia cell lines. This process theoretically helps to slow or halt the proliferation of malignant cells. Early-phase clinical trials and some case reports have explored the use of vitamin D analogs in leukemia patients, with mixed results. While some small studies have shown modest benefits, such as partial remission or improved blood counts, these effects have not been consistently replicated in larger, controlled trials.

The rationale for using vitamin D in leukemia is rooted in its role as a regulator of cell growth and differentiation. In the 1980s and 1990s, research on vitamin D receptor activation in leukemic cells provided the basis for experimental therapies. However, high doses of vitamin D necessary to achieve these effects in humans often lead to hypercalcemia and other side effects, limiting its clinical application. As a result, vitamin D or its analogs are not standard treatments for leukemia, but ongoing research continues to investigate their potential, particularly in combination with other agents. At present, evidence supporting the use of vitamin D to treat leukemia is limited and not definitive, warranting a low-to-moderate evidence rating.

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Other health conditions supported by vitamin D

Acne
Allergies (food)
Allergies (respiratory)
Alzheimer's Disease
Amenorrhea
Anemia
Anorexia
Apathy
Arrhythmia
Arteriosclerosis
Arthritis
Asthma
Autism
Autoimmune Disorders
Backache
Birth Defects (prevention)
Body Building
Broken Bones
Calcium Deficiency
Cancer (natural therapy for)
Cancer (prevention)
Cancer Treatment (reducing side effects)
Cardiovascular Disease
Celiac Disease
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder
Colds (antiviral)
Colds (general)
Colds (prevention)
Colds (with fever)
Concentration (poor)
Concussions
Confusion
Congestive Heart Failure
Contagious Diseases
Convalescence
Convulsions
Cramps (menstrual)
Cramps and Spasms
Crohn's Disease
Cystic Breast Disease
Cystic Fibrosis
Dandruff
Debility
Dementia
Depression
Dermatitis
Diabetes
Diabetic Retinopathy
Erectile Dysfunction
Estrogen (low)
Fatigue
Fibroids (uterine)
Fibromyalgia Syndrome
Fibrosis
Grave's Disease
Grief and Sadness
Hair (loss or thinning)
Hair Care (general)
Hashimoto's Disease
Headache (cluster)
Heart (weakness)
Hypertension
Hypothyroid
Infection
Infection (bacterial)
Infection (viral)
Infertility
Inflammation
Inflammatory Bowel Disorders
Influenza
Injuries
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Itching
Knees (weak)
Leaky Gut Syndrome
Leprosy
Lesions
Leukemia
Lou Gehrig's Disease
Lupus
Lymphoma
Melanoma
Memory and Brain Function
Menopause
Menstrual Irregularity
Mental Illness
Metabolic Syndrome
Migraine
Miscarriage (prevention)
Mood Swings
Multiple Sclerosis
Muscle Tone (lack of)
Muscular Dystrophy
Myasthenia Gravis
Nephritis
Nerve Damage
Nervous Exhaustion
Numbness
Nursing
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
Oral Surgery
Osteoporosis
Pain (general remedies for)
Pancreatitis
Paralysis
Parkinson's Disease
Peripheral Neuropathy
PMS (general)
PMS Type D
PMS Type H
PMS Type P
PMS Type S
Pneumonia
Polyps
Post Partum Depression
Post Partum Weakness
Pregnancy (herbs and supplements for)
Progesterone (low)
Prostatitis
Psoriasis
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Schizophrenia
Sciatica
Seasonal Affective Disorder
Senility
Tuberculosis