This study investigates the potential impact of vitamin D fortification in food as a preventive measure against cancer mortality in Europe. Research has shown that vitamin D supplementation can reduce cancer deaths by 13%, and food fortification could potentially achieve similar benefits. Although some European countries have already implemented vitamin D fortification in various foods, others have minimal or no fortification policies in place.
Using cancer death statistics, life expectancy data, and current fortification practices across 34 European countries, the authors estimate that existing vitamin D fortification prevents around 27,000 cancer deaths annually in Europe (11,000 within the EU). However, if all European countries adopted adequate vitamin D fortification, an additional 129,000 cancer deaths (113,000 in the EU) could be prevented each year, corresponding to nearly 1.2 million years of life saved.
The findings suggest that comprehensive vitamin D fortification could reduce cancer mortality by approximately 9–10% in Europe, underscoring the significant public health potential of fortification policies.