Halve your risk of colon cancer The vitamin DWhat it does: Helps maintain strong and healthy bones by retaining calcium. Deficiency Signs: Joint pain or stiffness, backache, tooth decay, muscle cramps, hair loss…. and cancer connection, first proposed by Dr Cedrick Garland in 1980, led to research that showed a strong association between risk of colon cancer and dietary intake of vitamin D and calciumWhat it does: Promotes a healthy heart, clots blood, promotes healthy nerves, contracts muscles, improves skin, bone and dental health, relieves aching muscles and bones,…. [2] An eight year study of 25,802 people from the state of Maryland in the USA found that those with blood levels of vitamin D equivalent to 10mcg (400iu) or more had half the risk of colon cancer compared to those with lower levels. [3] This is twice the US RDA of 5mcg (200iu).
In the UK, there is no recommended daily dietary intake for vitamin D if you are aged between four and 50 and live a ‘normal life-style’. However, ‘normal’ means spending time every day outdoors in the sunshine, which is not always possible given the UK weather and people’s lifestyles. For those confined indoors, experts recommend 10mcg per day. [4] Since 1980, many researchers have confirmed Dr Garland’s hypothesis. A scientific review undertaken by the National Cancer Institute in 2007 found that vitamin D was beneficial in preventing colorectal cancer. Although the study found no link between vitamin D status and overall cancer mortality, the study did show that blood levels of 80 nanomoles per litre (nmol/L) or higher were associated with a 72% reduction in colorectal cancer mortality. [5] As you’ll see later, to achieve blood levels of 80nmol/L, you need to have just over 25mcg (1,000iu) a day.
Similar blood levels and vitamin D intake were found to protect against colon cancer in a study that followed 1,500 people for 25 years. At 80nmol/L the rate was cut by 50%, whereas levels of over 100nmol/L reduced colon cancer incidence by 66%, according to research published in the American Journal of Preventative Medicine. When five studies were ‘pooled’ together, researchers found that a 50% lower risk of colorectal cancer was associated with a blood level of greater than, or equal to, 83nmol/L, compared to less than or equal to 30nmol/L. They concluded that 1,000-2,000iu per day of vitamin D could reduce the incidence of colorectal cancer with minimal risk. [6]
Reduce your risk of breast and ovarian cancer by a third Several teams of researchers have found that adequate levels of vitamin D also lower the chances of developing breast cancer. Low blood levels of vitamin D have been correlated with breast cancer disease progression and the spread of cancer to the bones. [7] Women with advanced breast cancer that had spread to their bones were less likely to die of the disease when they had high amounts of active vitamin D in their blood. [8] A team of cancer prevention specialists at the University of California, San Diego, found that women with the highest level of vitamin D in their blood had a 50% lower risk of breast cancer than those with the lowest level. [9] “The results were very clear,” said co-author Dr Cedric Garland. “The higher your level, the lower the risk.” To have a blood level that would cut your risk by 50%, the researchers said that you would have to take 50mcg (2,000iu) daily and also spend 10-15 minutes in the sun.
Researchers from the same university also reviewed 63 studies, published worldwide between 1966 and 2004, and found that taking 25mcg (1,000iu) of the vitamin daily could lower an individual’s cancer risk by 50% in colon cancer, and by 30% in breast and ovarian cancer. [10a] [10b] In fact, Dr Garland has estimated that 600,000 cases a year of breast and colorectal cancer could be prevented by adequate intakes of vitamin D. [11] Protection from prostate cancer Vitamin D also helps protect men from prostate cancer. A team led...
Join Today!
JOIN NOW!First month free
Then £7.99 per month & free cancellation at any time
FREE health check
Find out your health score & see how healthy you are
Personal Health Plan
Detailed report, analysis & tailored action plan
Free Vitamin D3
With your first purchase at HOLFORDirect (suitable for vegans)
Save money
20% off all Patrick Holford supplements & events plus free delivery over £30
Exclusive Health support
Ask Patrick your questions, access to Low GL recipes & research updates
Comments
Join the Conversation on our Facebook Page