EXERCISE

Physical activity (PA) and vitamin D are thought to affect colorectal cancer prognosis. The present study investigates associations between 25(OH)D3 and PA in prospectively followed colorectal cancer patients in the ColoCare study. At 6, 12, and 24 mo after surgery, patients donated a blood sample, wore an accelerometer for 10 consecutive days, and completed a PA questionnaire. Plasma 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 (25(OH)D3) levels were measured by high-performance liquid chromatography. We tested associations using partial correlations and multivariate linear regression analysis, adjusted for season, age, and body mass index. A total of 137 assessments of 25(OH)D3 levels and PA were conducted (58 at 6 mo, 51 at 12 mo, and 28 at 24 mo). More than 60% of the patients were vitamin D-deficient (25(OH)D3≤20 ng/ml), independent of study time point. At 6-mo follow-up, accelerometry-based vigorous and moderate-to-vigorous PAs were positively associated with 25(OH)D3 levels (P = 0.04; P = 0.006,). PA together with season was a significant predictor of elevated 25(OH)D3 levels. Our results suggest that the majority of colorectal cancer patients may suffer from vitamin D deficiency. Engaging in PA may be an effective approach to increase their 25(OH)D3 levels.