nutrition

Vitamin D A Powerhouse in the Fight Against Cancer

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Vitamin D May Reduce Cancer Risk by Up to 50%

Vitamin D has been a hot topic for researchers for many years. Recent studies show a positive link between Vitamin D and cancer risk reduction. Studies published by the University of California in 2005, with a review in 2006, indicated that a daily oral intake of 1000 IU Vitamin D can reduce the risk (by up to 50%) of several types of cancer, including colon, breast and ovarian^1,2.

In the fall of 2006, in a study led by researchers at Northwestern and Harvard Universities, consumption of Vitamin D tablets was found to cut the risk of pancreatic cancer nearly in half³. In fact, just by taking the recommended daily allowance of 400 IU the risk was reduced by 43%³.

This latter study also advised that further research would be necessary to determine if ingesting Vitamin D from dietary sources, like eggs, liver, fatty fish or fortified dairy products, or through sun exposure might be preferable to multivitamin supplements³.

How Much Vitamin D is Enough?

There are varying opinions on how much Vitamin D is ideal for health and cancer prevention.

To get enough Vitamin D, Health suggests following Canada’s Food Guide and emphasizing natural and fortified food sources of vitamin D⁴. Health Canada also suggests that everyone over the age of 50 should take a daily vitamin D supplement of 10 µg (400 IU) vitamin D⁴.

In June 2007 the Canadian Cancer Society recommended all adults consider taking a vitamin D supplement of 1000 international units (IU) in the fall and winter months⁵. They also suggested adults at higher risk of having low levels of vitamin D should consider taking a vitamin D supplement of 1000 IU for the whole year. People at high risk of having low levels of vitamin D include those who are older, with dark skin, who don’t go outside often and who wear clothing that covers most of their skin⁵. For more information please visit www.cancer.ca.

Considering that doses recommended by Health Canada, by the Canadian Cancer Society and by these recent studies are all quite different, it would be best for you to talk to your doctor and/or dietitian about what is best for you.

What are the Best Sources of Vitamin D?

Vitamin D is known as the “sunshine vitamin” since we synthesize it in the skin after sun exposure. However, the use of sunscreens, older age, living in northern latitudes as well as changes in sun exposure in the winter months make it hard for us to get enough vitamin D⁶. There are only a few food sources that are rich in vitamin D such as fatty fish, milk, eggs and tofu.

For a more detailed list of vitamin D found in foods visit Health Canada’s Canadian Nutrient File at http://www.healthcanada.gc.ca/cnfonline.

Clover Leaf Salmon is one of the best sources you’ll find of Vitamin D and it comes in a variety of sizes, even a snack size premixed with light dressing. Getting enough Vitamin D in your daily diet to reduce your risk of cancer just got a lot easier.

References:

¹Vitamin D and prevention of colorectal cancer. The Journal of Steroid Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. Volume 97, Issues 1-2, October 2005, Pages 179-194.

²The role of vitamin D in cancer prevention. American Journal of Public Health. February 2006, Vol 96, No. 2, 252-261.

³ Vitamin D Intake and the Risk for Pancreatic Cancer in Two Cohort Studies. Cancer Epidemiology Biomarkers & Prevention. Vol. 15, 1688-1695, September 2006.

⁴ Health Canada: Eating Well with Canada’s Food Guide www.healthcanada.gc.ca/foodguide

⁵Canadian Cancer Society www.cancer.ca

⁶National Institute of Health Osteoporosis & Related Bone Diseases National Resource Centre www.osteo.org.

⁷ Health Canada Canadian Nutrient File: www.healthcanada.gc.ca/cnfonline