Vitamin D is an essential nutrient that supports multiple physiological systems, yet many individuals may not be achieving optimal levels. While organisations continue to emphasise balanced nutrition, active living and regular health screenings, it is equally important to highlight the role of vitamin D in supporting long-term well‑being. Adequate vitamin D status contributes to bone strength, immune resilience and overall vitality, which are especially relevant for individuals living with or recovering from cancer.

The Importance of Vitamin D

Known as the “sunshine vitamin,” vitamin D is widely recognised for its role in calcium absorption and skeletal health. However, its impact extends beyond bone maintenance. Maintaining sufficient vitamin D levels helps to:

• Support normal immune responses
• Regulate inflammatory processes
• Maintain muscle strength and physical performance
• Promote healthy cell growth and repair

Recent research has linked low vitamin D levels with reduced immune efficiency and higher risk of chronic conditions, reinforcing the value of keeping levels within a healthy range (Laird & Kenny, 2021; Wimalawansa, 2023).

Vitamin D and Cancer Support

For individuals undergoing cancer treatment or transitioning into survivorship, a strong nutritional foundation and immune function are key components of holistic care. Emerging evidence suggests that:

• Higher vitamin D levels are associated with lower cancer incidence and mortality.
• Adequate vitamin D may contribute to a better quality of life during treatment.
• Supplementation, when guided and monitored by healthcare professionals, may offer meaningful support.

While vitamin D is not a cure for cancer, it may serve as a valuable adjunct, which helps to support immune health, physical strength and resilience throughout treatment(Keum et al., 2021; Wimalawansa, 2023).

Vitamin D Status in Malaysia

Even in sunny Malaysia, many people don’t get enough vitamin D. This nutrient is important for bones, immunity and overall energy especially for those managing health challenges like cancer. Update from research conducted on 2022 and 2025 stated that,

• Adults: About 1 in 5 adults is deficient and nearly 2 out of 3 have insufficient levels (Md Isa et al., 2022).
• Pregnant Women: Approximately 60% have low vitamin D levels, despite being aware of its importance, with daily habits not always reflecting this knowledge (Yakubu Ibrahim et al., 2025).

Other Groups:

• Older women: Up to 80% exhibit low vitamin D levels (Md Isa et al., 2022).
• Teenagers: Around 78% have insufficient vitamin D (Md Isa et al., 2022).
• Children: Nearly 50% show suboptimal vitamin D status (Md Isa et al., 2022).

Contributing Factors: Low vitamin D levels can result from spending too much time indoors, darker skin pigmentation, cultural clothing practices, older age, obesity and certain health conditions.

Why It Matters: Insufficient vitamin D can affect bone health, immunity and overall well-being. Simple steps such as getting safe sun exposure, eating vitamin D–rich foods and taking supplements when needed can help maintain healthy levels (Md Isa et al., 2022; Yakubu Ibrahim et al., 2025).

Maintaining Healthy Vitamin D Levels

1. Sunlight: 10–30 minutes several times a week helps the body produce vitamin D naturally.
2. Diet: Include fatty fish (salmon, sardines, mackerel), eggs and fortified milk or plant-based alternatives.
3. Supplements: For people with limited sun exposure or other risk factors, supplements under healthcare guidance can help maintain healthy levels.
4. Awareness and Habits: Knowledge is not enough, consistent habits and positive attitudes are key to preventing deficiency (Yakubu Ibrahim et al., 2025).

Empowering Health Through Awareness

Vitamin D plays a vital role in immunity, strength and overall energy. Promoting awareness, encouraging routine testing and providing access to practical guidance can empower people, especially those living with or recovering from cancer, to take proactive steps in maintaining healthy vitamin D levels. Public health strategies like safe sun exposure, dietary guidance, supplementation and educational campaigns are also important to address deficiency in Malaysia.

REFERENCES

EFSA. (2022). Tolerable upper intake levels for vitamin D. European Food Safety Authority. https://www.efsa.europa.eu/en/efsajournal/pub/5729

Keum, N., Lee, D.-H., Greenwood, D. C., & Giovannucci, E. L. (2021). Vitamin D intake and cancer outcomes: Updated evidence from prospective studies. Nutrients, 13(5), 1650. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu13051650

Laird, E., & Kenny, R. A. (2021). Vitamin D and immune function: Emerging insights from population data. Clinical Nutrition, 40(10), 5207–5215. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.clnu.2021.04.023

Md Isa, Z., Mohd Nordin, N. R., Mahmud, M. H., & Hashim, S. (2022). An update on vitamin D deficiency status in Malaysia. Nutrients, 14(3), 567. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14030567

Yakubu Ibrahim, S., Jamaludin, N. A., & Salleh, F. M. (2025). Vitamin D knowledge, attitudes, practices and serum concentration among pregnant women attending a Malaysian tertiary hospital. Food Science & Nutrition, 13(7), e70575. https://doi.org/10.1002/fsn3.70575

Wimalawansa, S. J. (2023). Effects of vitamin D supplementation on immune and inflammatory pathways. Frontiers in Endocrinology, 14, 1145623. https://doi.org/10.3389/fendo.2023.1145623