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Integrative lifestyle specialist Luke Coutinho recently talked about the significant advantages of a particular nutrient for our bodies. He pointed out that over 70% of people with cancer lack a crucial element that could enhance their chances of recovery. He emphasized the importance of the vitamin known as the sunshine vitamin. He mentioned, “While Vitamin D3 isn’t a cure, neglecting its deficiency is a major error. The first step we take when we work with someone who has cancer, or any health issue, is to check their Vitamin D levels,” adding, “When you go beyond just treating symptoms to focus on underlying issues, you begin to address the essential parts of the human body and its systems. ”
Vitamin D3 is not only important for bones; it acts as a strong hormone that impacts almost every cell in the body, including immune and cancer cells. Many cancer patients, especially older adults or those with advanced diseases, often experience a severe lack of it, and correcting this deficiency can help boost the immune response while reducing harmful inflammation.
Key benefits of Vitamin D3 include:
Immune Support: Luke points out that Vitamin D3 helps activate and regulate immune cells like T cells, NK cells, macrophages, and dendritic cells. He explains, “It boosts anti-cancer immunity, reduces inflammatory markers, and enhances how the body responds to immunotherapy treatments, such as checkpoint inhibitors like pembrolizumab. ”
Cancer-Fighting Properties: The integrative lifestyle specialist notes that Vitamin D3 helps trigger death in cancer cells (apoptosis), slows down their uncontrolled growth, limits spreading to other areas, obstructs new blood vessel development in tumors, and modifies the tumor’s surrounding environment.
Cancer-Related Connections: The strongest proof exists for its benefits related to colorectal cancer, including lower risk and death rates, but it is also helpful in cases of breast, lung, lymphoma cancers, and with overall cancer therapy, especially when used alongside immune treatments.
Survival Benefits: Luke shares that higher levels of Vitamin D and its supplements are linked to a 12-20% reduction in cancer death rates (even more significant in those who are deficient) and as much as 53% lower mortality in patients receiving immunotherapy. A systematic review set for 2025 showed that higher Vitamin D levels are tied to a 53% decreased death rate (HR 0.47) and better survival without disease progression in immunotherapy patients. He noted that taking supplements led to longer overall survival (HR 0.67).
Immune Cell Improvement: Discussing how supplements benefit the immune systems of deficient cancer patients, he explained that this essential nutrient enhances DNA stability, lengthens telomeres, and improves access to chromatin, indicating healthier immune function and less damage.
Ideal Levels: Aim for a serum 25(OH)D level above 40 ng/mL (preferably 50-80 ng/mL) to strengthen your immune system. Levels lower than 20-30 ng/mL can lead to poorer health outcomes.
Referring to vitamin D3 as the “conductor of your immune system,” he said, “When levels drop, the immune system struggles, persistent inflammation increases, immune cells become worn out, and cancer may advance more easily. Fixing the deficiency is like tuning an orchestra: it reduces harmful disturbances, empowers defense cells, and enhances the body’s resistance. ”
In conclusion, while getting sunlight is excellent for your health, supplements are also very important for overall well-being.
