The Vitamin D Cancer Link

The Vitamin D Cancer Link
by Ryan C Marshall

which results in the spread of the disease through your body.

Through decades, research has been carried out by scientists worldwide to find a
cure or ways to prevent this disease. A major breakthrough came recently with
scientific studies giving strong indications of the vitamin D cancer link. Vitamin D is a
type of rare vitamin present in foods such as fish rich in fatty oils like salmon, tuna,
mackerel, cod liver oil, egg yolk, meat, and mushroom. Even cereals and milks are
fortified with Vitamin D. But the biggest source of Vitamin D is the Sun. Our skin has
the capacity to naturally produce Vitamin D on exposure to the Sun.

Role of Vitamin D

Highly beneficial for us, Vitamin D not only strengthens our immune system helping
us fight various diseases like influenza, but it also keeps cardiovascular diseases at
bay and improves our general health, reducing mortality rate. Vitamin D helps in the
absorption of calcium and its role in strengthening the bones, which in turn prevents
degenerative diseases like osteoporosis. It also acts as a mood lifter reducing
depression. Although the health benefits of vitamin D have been long known, a recent
study has shown that vitamin D has influence over more than 200 genes including
the ones responsible for multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, type I diabetes and
cancer. Researches have shown long back that lack of sunlight leads to cancer.
People living in colder climates and having limited exposure to sunlight have been
more prone to cancer. Although sunlight was associated with cancer a long time ago,
only recent studies have brought to light the fact that it is actually the deficiency of
vitamin D which causes cancer. This breakthrough in science has shown that nearly
17 types of cancer can result from a vitamin D deficiency.

Breast Cancer

One of the most common forms of cancer to affect women, breast cancer originates
in the breast tissue in the milk ducts or the lobules of the ducts. The factors which
can lead to breast cancer include age, race, menarche, childbirth, menopause, and
alcohol consumption. Recent studies of breast cancer have also included the vitamin
D cancer prevention qualities. In case of elderly women, this becomes more
important because with age vitamin D deficiency also increases and hence puts older
women at higher risk of suffering from breast cancer. With age, vitamin D
supplementation becomes increasingly necessary.

Colorectal Cancer

Also known as larger bowel cancer or colon cancer, colorectal cancer originates in
the rectum, colon and appendix. The results of the EPIC study (European Prospective
Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition) which also highlighted the vitamin D cancer
link, monitored the lifestyle and food habits of an equal number of cancer patients
and cancer-free participants. The study showed that vitamin D levels were markedly
lower in the participants who had cancer. It was concluded that people who had the
highest levels of Vitamin D in their circulation (100nm per liter) were at a 40% lower
risk of developing cancer compared to those who had the lowest Vitamin D levels
(25nm per liter).

But the positive aspects of these findings is that researches following the revelation
of the vitamin D cancer link have shown that with proper vitamin D supplementation,
the risk of developing cancer can be lowered to a great extent. We can get vitamin D
from:

Sunlight - While overexposure to sunlight is definitely harmful, underexposure is
equally bad too. 15 minutes of sunlight everyday can synthesize a lot of Vitamin
D, reducing the risk of cancer.
Food - Including eggs, fatty oil rich fishes, liver and milk in your diet can get you
400 to 600 IU of vitamin D daily. Though excess vitamin D is not beneficial, you
can include up to 2000 IU of vitamin D every day in your diet.
Vitamin D supplements - Easily available in medicine outlets and pharmacies, it is
advisable to start on a supplementation program after consultation with a
physician. With the medium level being (50-75) nm per liter, people who have
vitamin D levels of 75 nm per liter or more in their circulation have the lowest
risk of developing cancer. While people with vitamin D levels less than 50 nm
per liter are more in danger of developing cancer.

Studies have shown that vitamin D affects the working of a cell. Along with its
immune system strengthening function, vitamin D also acts as a barrier for cancer
cell proliferation reducing the chances of developing cancer.

Through decades, research has been carried out by scientists worldwide to find a
cure or ways to prevent this disease. A major breakthrough came recently with
scientific studies giving strong indications of the vitamin D cancer link. Vitamin D is a
type of rare vitamin present in foods such as fish rich in fatty oils like salmon, tuna,
mackerel, cod liver oil, egg yolk, meat, and mushroom. Even cereals and milks are
fortified with Vitamin D. But the biggest source of Vitamin D is the Sun. Our skin has
the ability to naturally produce Vitamin D when exposed to the Sun.

About The Author

Ryan Marshall has been studying his passion of natural health for over 14 years.
Learn more about and discover the different .

Recent studies showing strong
evidence of vitamin D cancer fighting
properties has increased the
possibilities of finding a cure or ways
to prevent the disease. A deadly
disease which has been the bane of
the modern society, cancer is caused
by uncontrolled growth and division
of a group of cells. These genetically
abnormal cells divide rapidly and
spread into adjacent healthy tissues
forming malignant tumors. This
invasion is followed by metastasis i.e.
the breaking away of the cancer cells
from the tumor and their spread by
blood or lymph to different areas,

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The content on
this website is for educational purposes only. Please consult with your physician before using natural
remedies and before making any drastic changes to your diet or exercise program.