 |
|
Study shines more light on benefit of vitamin D in fighting cancer
August 22, 2007600,000 cases a year of breast and colorectal cancer could be prevented each year by adequate intake of vitamin D, according to researcher
A new study looking at the relationship between vitamin D serum levels and the risk of colon and breast cancer across the globe has estimated the number of cases of cancer that could be prevented each year if vitamin D3 levels met the target proposed by researchers.
Cedric F. Garland, Dr.P.H., cancer prevention specialist at the Moores Cancer Center at the University of California, San Diego (UCSD) and colleagues estimate that 250,000 cases of colorectal cancer and 350,000 cases of breast cancer could be prevented worldwide by increasing intake of vitamin D3, particularly in countries north of the equator. Vitamin D3 is available through diet, supplements and exposure of the skin to sunlight.
"For the first time, we are saying that 600,000 cases of breast and colorectal cancer could be prevented each year worldwide, including nearly 150,000 in the United States alone," said study co-author Garland. The paper, which looks at the dose-response relationship between vitamin D and cancer, will be published in the August edition of the journal Nutrition Reviews.
The study combined data from surveys of serum vitamin D levels during winter from 15 countries. It is the first such study to look at satellite measurements of sunshine and cloud cover in countries where actual blood serum levels of vitamin D3 had also been determined. The data were then applied to 177 countries to estimate the average serum level of a vitamin D metabolite of people living there.
The data revealed an inverse association of serum vitamin D with risk of colorectal and breast cancer. The protective effect began at levels ranging from 24 to 32 nanograms per milliliter of 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentration in the serum. The 25-hydroxyvitamin D level is the main indicator of vitamin D status. The late winter average 25-hydroxyvitamin D in the US is about 15-18 ng/ml. The researchers maintain that increasing vitamin D levels in populations, particularly those in northern climates, has the potential to both prevent and possibly serve as an adjunct to existing treatments for cancer.
The work builds on previous studies by Garland and colleagues (Journal of Steroid Biochemistry and Molecular, February 2007) which found that raising the serum 25(OH)D levels to 55 ng/mL was optimal for cancer prevention. This is the first study to recommend optimal vitamin D serum levels which, Garland said, are high enough to provide the needed benefit but which have been found by other scientists to be low enough to avoid health risks.
"This could be best achieved with a combination of diet, supplements and short intervals - 10 or 15 minutes a day - in the sun," said Garland. It could be less for very fair-skinned individuals. He went on to say that "the appropriate dose of vitamin D in order to reach this level, could be very little in a lifeguard in Southern California- or quite a lot for someone in Northern Europe who tends to remain indoors most of the year."
The serum level recommended by the study would correspond to intake of 2000 International Units per day of vitamin D3 for a meaningful reduction in colorectal cancer. The researchers recommend 2000 IU/day, plus, when weather allows, a few minutes in the sun with at least 40% of the skin exposed, for a meaningful reduction in breast cancer incidence, unless the individual has a history of skin cancer or a photosensitivity disease.
Garland also recommends moderate sun exposure and use of clothing and a hat when in the sun longer than 15 minutes.
This paper used worldwide data only recently available through a new tool called GLOBOCAN, developed by the World Health Organization's International Agency for Research on Cancer. GLOBOCAN is a database of cancer incidence, mortality and prevalence for 177 countries. Previous studies from this core group have shown an association between higher levels of vitamin D3 or markers of vitamin D status and lower risk of cancers of the breast, colon, ovary and kidney. The researchers underscore their call for prompt public health action to increase intake of vitamin D3 as an inexpensive tool for prevention of diseases that claim nearly one million lives each year world wide.
"The message is, depending on where you live, you may need to consider taking in considerably higher levels of vitamin D3 than those currently recommended," said Garland. "I'd recommend discussing vitamin D needs with a health care professional, who may order and interpret a simple blood test for a vitamin D metabolite [25(OH)D], and provide a dosage recommendation that's appropriate for the individual's needs."
University of California - San Diego
"For the first time, we are saying that 600,000 cases of breast and colorectal cancer could be prevented each year worldwide, including nearly 150,000 in the United States alone," said study co-author Garland. The paper, which looks at the dose-response relationship between vitamin D and cancer, will be published in the August edition of the journal Nutrition Reviews.
The study combined data from surveys of serum vitamin D levels during winter from 15 countries. It is the first such study to look at satellite measurements of sunshine and cloud cover in countries where actual blood serum levels of vitamin D3 had also been determined. The data were then applied to 177 countries to estimate the average serum level of a vitamin D metabolite of people living there.
The data revealed an inverse association of serum vitamin D with risk of colorectal and breast cancer. The protective effect began at levels ranging from 24 to 32 nanograms per milliliter of 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentration in the serum. The 25-hydroxyvitamin D level is the main indicator of vitamin D status. The late winter average 25-hydroxyvitamin D in the US is about 15-18 ng/ml. The researchers maintain that increasing vitamin D levels in populations, particularly those in northern climates, has the potential to both prevent and possibly serve as an adjunct to existing treatments for cancer.
The work builds on previous studies by Garland and colleagues (Journal of Steroid Biochemistry and Molecular, February 2007) which found that raising the serum 25(OH)D levels to 55 ng/mL was optimal for cancer prevention. This is the first study to recommend optimal vitamin D serum levels which, Garland said, are high enough to provide the needed benefit but which have been found by other scientists to be low enough to avoid health risks.
"This could be best achieved with a combination of diet, supplements and short intervals - 10 or 15 minutes a day - in the sun," said Garland. It could be less for very fair-skinned individuals. He went on to say that "the appropriate dose of vitamin D in order to reach this level, could be very little in a lifeguard in Southern California- or quite a lot for someone in Northern Europe who tends to remain indoors most of the year."
The serum level recommended by the study would correspond to intake of 2000 International Units per day of vitamin D3 for a meaningful reduction in colorectal cancer. The researchers recommend 2000 IU/day, plus, when weather allows, a few minutes in the sun with at least 40% of the skin exposed, for a meaningful reduction in breast cancer incidence, unless the individual has a history of skin cancer or a photosensitivity disease.
Garland also recommends moderate sun exposure and use of clothing and a hat when in the sun longer than 15 minutes.
This paper used worldwide data only recently available through a new tool called GLOBOCAN, developed by the World Health Organization's International Agency for Research on Cancer. GLOBOCAN is a database of cancer incidence, mortality and prevalence for 177 countries. Previous studies from this core group have shown an association between higher levels of vitamin D3 or markers of vitamin D status and lower risk of cancers of the breast, colon, ovary and kidney. The researchers underscore their call for prompt public health action to increase intake of vitamin D3 as an inexpensive tool for prevention of diseases that claim nearly one million lives each year world wide.
"The message is, depending on where you live, you may need to consider taking in considerably higher levels of vitamin D3 than those currently recommended," said Garland. "I'd recommend discussing vitamin D needs with a health care professional, who may order and interpret a simple blood test for a vitamin D metabolite [25(OH)D], and provide a dosage recommendation that's appropriate for the individual's needs."
University of California - San Diego
Vitamin D Current Events and Vitamin D News RSSStudy identifies causes of bone loss in breast cancer survivors
Osteoporosis is a growing concern among breast cancer survivors and their doctors, because certain cancer drugs can cause bone loss.
AMA journal publishes by Cornell Researchers study showing evidence of a major environmental trigger for autism
The American Medical Association journal Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine has published a new study by researchers at Cornell University indicating evidence of an environmental trigger for autism among genetically vulnerable children.
Could vitamin D save us from radiation?
Radiological health expert Daniel Hayes, Ph.D., of the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene suggests that a form of vitamin D could be one of our body's main protections against damage from low levels of radiation.
Lung airway cells activate vitamin D and increase immune response
Vitamin D is essential to good health but needs to be activated to function properly in the human body. Until recently, this activation was thought to happen primarily in the kidneys, but a new University of Iowa study finds that the activation step can also occur in lung airway cells.
First comprehensive genomic study of common cold reveals new treatment targets
Today, scientists from Procter & Gamble (P&G), the University of Calgary and the University of Virginia announced results from the first study to examine the entire human genome's response to the most common cold virus, human rhinovirus.
Heart failure patients have higher risk of fractures
Heart failure patients are at higher risk for fractures, including debilitating hip fractures, than other heart patients and should be screened and treated for osteoporosis, Canadian researchers reported in Circulation: Journal of the American Heart Association.
Vitamin D deficiency may be more common in Parkinson's disease patients
Individuals with Parkinson's disease appear more likely to be vitamin D deficient than healthy adults of the same age or patients with Alzheimer's disease, according to a report in the October issue of Archives of Neurology, one of the JAMA/Archives journals.
Lack of vitamin D linked to Parkinson's disease
A majority of Parkinson's disease patients had insufficient levels of vitamin D in a new study from Emory University School of Medicine.
Children with cystic fibrosis not well covered by guidelines for vitamin D needs
Existing recommendations for treating vitamin D deficiency in children with cystic fibrosis (CF) are too low to cover the serious need, leaving most at high risk for bone loss and rickets, according to researchers at Johns Hopkins Children's Center.
Vitamin D a key player in overall health of several body organs, says UC Riverside biochemist
Essential for life in higher animals, vitamin D, once linked to only bone diseases such as rickets and osteoporosis, is now recognized as a major player in contributing to overall human health, emphasizes UC Riverside's Anthony Norman, an international expert on vitamin D.
More Vitamin D Current Events and Vitamin D News Articles
 | The Vitamin D Cure by James Dowd, Diane Stafford Groundbreaking new research has traced the source of a wide array of to a single common factor—vitamin D deficiency. Leading rheumatologist and researcher Dr. James Dowd reveals the causes of vitamin D deficiency and offers a simple, easy-to-follow five-step program that can eliminate or alleviate a host of seemingly incurable conditions, such as arthritis, in as little as six weeks. Better... |
 | Vitamin D: New Perspectives in Drawing (Themes) by Emma Dexter Emma Dexter's introductory text offers a critical account of the recent evolution and role of drawing in the art world, and introduces some of the trends, methods and artists included in the book. In the following and largest section of the book (over 300 pages and approximately 500 illustrations), the 100 or more artists are presented in an A to Z order. Some artists are presented on 2 pages,... |
 | Vitamin D: Antidote to Winter and the Darkness by Michael Merrill When sunlight strikes skin it creates vitamin D, and without this nutrient we get weak and sick, are at risk of cancer and lupus, get osteoporosis and get depressed. The scientific literature shows that millions of Americans are deficient in vitamin D. Vitamin D isn't patentable. No one sends out drug reps to sell it to your doctor. So the deficiency that you likely have is probably... |
 | Sunshine and Vitamin D: A Comprehensive Guide to the Benefits of the "Sunshine Vitamin" by Frank Murray Vitamin D " from the sun, from our diet, and from dietary supplements" keeps a range of chronic and life-threatening diseases at bay, from osteoporosis and osteoarthritis to cancer of the breast, prostate and colon; diabetes; multiple sclerosis; asthma; cystic fibrosis; Crohn_s disease; scleroderma; rickets; cardiovascular disease; and many others.This wide-ranging volume spotlights the latest... |
 | Vitamin D: Is It The Fountain of Youth? by Paul A. Stitt This book is the first to explore the mystery and miracle of vitamin-D. Discover for yourself how vitamin-D helps prevent diseases and many health problems; helps heal the body and how its power has been overlooked by the medical profession. This is an easy-to-read summary of many discoveries and a prescription for healthier living that could be your personal "Fountain of... |
 | Natural Care Library Vitamin D: Safe and Effective Self-Care for Improving Circulation and Growth by Stephanie Pederson Pocket-sized consumer text discusses how vitamin D can help utilize calcium and phosphorous, promote development of bones and teeth, aid thyroid function, maintain normal blood clotting, regulate heartbeat, and enhance immunity. Trim size: 7 x 5 inches.... |
 | Vitamin D: Physiology, Molecular Biology, and Clinical Applications (Nutrition and Health) (Nutrition and Health) A comprehensive, highly readable overview of the biological functions and clinical applications of vitamin D and its metabolites. Topics range from the most recent recommendations for vitamin D intake to new approaches for the treatment and prevention of vitamin D deficiency and the development of active vitamin D drugs to treat psoriasis and cancer. The book authoritatively reviews the... |
 | The Latest Research on Vitamin D by Liz, PhD, CCN / Lipski, Elizabeth Lipski An interview with Dr. John Cannell, Executive Director of the Vitamin D Council. Dr. John Cannell is founder of the non-profit Vitamin D Council and www.cholecalciferol-council.com, both established to alert the public and physicians to this terribly underappreciated issue. Topics Covered: Vitamin D is not a vitamin - find out what it really is. Find out how to have your D levels tested -... |
 | Vitamin D Handbook: Structures, Synonyms, and Properties by G. W. A. Milne, M. Delander A Comprehensive Reference On Vitamin D CHEMISTRY This hands-on, comprehensive reference provides accessible, organized information on the structures and applications of Vitamin D and its related chemicals. The most extensive published list of Vitamin D molecules, it provides a record for approximately 950 derivatives of Vitamins D2 and D3. Information provided of each compound includes: ... |
 | Vitamin D, Volume 1-2, Second Edition Vitamin D, a steroid hormone, has mainly been known for its effects on bone and osteoporosis. The current therapeutic practices expand into such markets as cancer research, pediatrics, nephrology, dermatology, immunology, and genetics. This second edition includes over 100 chapters covering everything from chemistry and metabolism to mechanisms of action, diagnosis and management, new analogs,... |
| © 2008 BrightSurf.com |