Vitamin D Reduces Cancer Risk

The University of California, San Diego Medical Center has released news of a study that shows that Vitamin D has a benefit in fighting cancer.

600,000 cases of colorectal and breast cancer could be prevented every year with adequate vitamin D intake. The study looked at the relationship between vitamin D serum levels and the risk of colon and breast cancer across the globe. The researchers estimated that a large number of cancer cases could be prevented with the right amount of Vitamin D.

The study was conducted by Cedric F. Garland, Dr. P.H. and colleagues at the University of California, San Diego (UCSD) . They estimated that 250,000 cases of colorectal cancer and 350 cases of breast cancer, worldwide, could be prevented by increasing Vitamin D intake. They said that 600,000 cases could be prevented worldwide, and 150,000 or those cases could be in the United States alone.

It is especially important for people living in the northern hemisphere to take vitamin D, as people in the north get far less sun exposure on the skin. sunlight is one of the most important sources of Vitamin D. Other sources of Vitamin D are diet and nutritional supplements.

Wearing sunscreen prevents the sun from helping the body make vitamin D. Previous recommendations have been to cover throughly in sunscreen and sunblock to prevent sunburn and skin cancer. Now researchers are recommending a limited amount of sun exposure. About fifteen minutes of sunlight a day, with at least 40% of the skin exposed to the sun, helps the body to metabolize Vitamin D. This limited amount of sun exposure could be gotten by taking a short walk out in the sunny weather without sunscreen.

People in northern climates don't always have the option of getting out into the sun. The winter months and cold and cloudy, making sun exposure difficult, if not impossible. People who are not able to get sun exposure to the skin can get their daily recommended amount of vitamin D by supplements and diet.

Vitamin D is called "The Sunshine Vitamin" because sun exposure to the skin causes the body to manufacture Vitamin D. Vitamin D can be found in fortified orange juice and milk. Vitamin D can be found in supplement form . The vitamin is often paired with calcium, as it works with calcium to help the body form strong bones.

Researchers recommend taking 2000 IU of Vitamin D daily. 2000 IU is considered the optimal amount. Amounts in excess of 2000 IU could have effects of toxicity.

Previous studies have shown as association between higher levels of Vitamin D and lower risk of cancers of the colon, breast, kidney and ovaries.

Vitamin D is an inexpensive tool for the prevention of a disease that claims the lives of nearly one million people every year world wide.