We investigated the potential of vitamin D3, also known as cholecalciferol, in combating cancer while addressing concerns about its toxicity at higher doses. This study focused on enhancing the effectiveness of vitamin D3 through a clever method called liposomal encapsulation, which helps minimize side effects.
We prepared liposomal vitamin D3 (VD-LP) and conducted various tests to understand its capabilities. We found that this encapsulated form not only maintained high efficiency but also demonstrated improved stability. Our analyses showed that VD-LP had strong effects against cancer cells from colorectal, breast, and prostate cancers. Remarkably, it affected gene expression in immune cells, boosting elements that help fight infections and support the body's defenses.
Notably, VD-LP did a great job slowing tumor growth in mice and improved their survival rates without causing adverse effects like hypercalcemia, which is often a concern with regular vitamin D3 use. This evidence indicates that liposomal encapsulation of vitamin D3 could offer an effective cancer treatment strategy while minimizing unwanted side effects.
We believe this may pave the way for further research and clinical applications, showcasing vitamin D3 as a valuable addition to cancer therapy.