Perhaps the most exciting research about vitamin D is its ability to prevent some cancers. Vitamin D appears to play a role in cell proliferation (division) and differentiation (making sure dividing cells don’t become cancerous cells). In addition, vitamin D is involved in proper death of unhealthy or old cells, a process known as "apoptosis," and in the prevention of blood vessel formation to feed existing cancers, known as "angiogenesis."
The first randomized, placebo-controlled trial evaluating vitamin D supplementation and the incidence of cancer was published, in 2007—in that study, women using 1100 IU of vitamin D3 daily for 4 years had a 60% lower cancer risk than the placebo group. When patients who were diagnosed with cancer during the first year of the study were excluded (with the assumption that they likely had cancer when they entered the study), the reduction was 77%. This is exciting news since there aren’t many supplements that have been shown to lower cancer risk by such a large margin.
Your skin makes vitamin D from exposure to the sun. As you age, however, your skin becomes less able to make vitamin D. When taking vitamin D, it’s important to measure and monitor vitamin D levels closely. Too much vitamin D can cause calcification of soft tissues and an increased risk of kidney stones. It’s especially important to monitor your levels if you are supplementing with doses greater than 2,000 IU of D3 per day. In addition, anyone with primary hyperparathyroidism should not take vitamin D supplements without first consulting their physician.
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Perhaps the most exciting research about vitamin D is its ability to prevent some cancers. Vitamin D appears to play a role in cell proliferation (division) and differentiation (making sure dividing cells don’t become cancerous cells). In addition, vitamin D is involved in proper death of unhealthy or old cells, a process known as "apoptosis," and in the prevention of blood vessel formation to feed existing cancers, known as "angiogenesis."
The first randomized, placebo-controlled trial evaluating vitamin D supplementation and the incidence of cancer was published, in 2007—in that study, women using 1100 IU of vitamin D3 daily for 4 years had a 60% lower cancer risk than the placebo group. When patients who were diagnosed with cancer during the first year of the study were excluded (with the assumption that they likely had cancer when they entered the study), the reduction was 77%. This is exciting news since there aren’t many supplements that have been shown to lower cancer risk by such a large margin.
Your skin makes vitamin D from exposure to the sun. As you age, however, your skin becomes less able to make vitamin D. When taking vitamin D, it’s important to measure and monitor vitamin D levels closely. Too much vitamin D can cause calcification of soft tissues and an increased risk of kidney stones. It’s especially important to monitor your levels if you are supplementing with doses greater than 2,000 IU of D3 per day. In addition, anyone with primary hyperparathyroidism should not take vitamin D supplements without first consulting their physician.
Enjoy the Sunshine
In Health
Daniel Soule
May 13, 2010 - 8:30amPortland, OR
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