Originally published in icon Issue 1 2007
Two new studies have, yet again, confirmed the importance of vitamin D - this time specifically with breast cancer and colorectal cancer.
Moores Cancer Center at UCSD, San Diego, pulled together a number of studies and cross-related them to show that up to half of the cases of breast cancer, and two thirds of the cases of colorectal cancer in the USA could possibly be prevented.
The breast cancer study (Journal of Steroid Biochemistry and Molecular Biology) posted dose-response data from two earlier studies – and showed that women with the higher blood levels had the lowest risk of breast cancer. “A 50 per cent reduction risk could be maintained by taking 2,000 IU’s of vitamin D3 daily, plus spending 10-15 minutes per day in the sun“, said Dr Cedric Garland.
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The colorectal study (American Journal of Preventive Medicine – Feb 6th 2007) cross-related 5 studies over a 25-year period. Dr Edward Gorham said “From this research we project that the same combination of supplement levels and sunshine would reduce colorectal incidence by two thirds”.
(Ed: To repeat our view. Safe sun – moderate sun – for 30 minutes on a clear day is the best way to deliver vitamin D levels in the body. It is photosynthesised from the cholesterol layers under your skin. A long, long way behind, in terms of delivery, comes eating oily fish. And a long, long way behind that comes eating some grains and dairy. Supplementation by D3 is the only real alternative to sunshine).