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Vitamin D 'lowers' cancer risk

Date published: 29/12/2005

Vitamin D can significantly lower the risk of developing a number of cancers, according to research by US scientists. The study by cancer prevention specialists at the University of California found that 1,000 international units (IU) of vitamin D3 daily could reduce the risk of developing colon, breast and ovarian cancer by up to 50 per cent.

All the results will be published in the American Journal of Public Health and the findings are based on a review of 63 studies that viewed the relationship between blood levels of vitamin D and cancer risk. D3 is ordinarily produced in the skin by the action of sunlight but can also be obtained from a number of foods. It can also be harnessed through dietary sources, however the selection is limited with a glass of milk only containing 100 IU of the vitamin.

Although the study found that 1,000 IU of vitamin D were needed to lower the risk of common cancers, large doses of the vitamin are to be avoided as more than 2,000 IU a day can lead to liver and kidney damage.

However scientists involved in the study suggest a person would have to work fairly hard to consume 1,000 IU of vitamin D3 on the basis of its low content in natural foodstuffs, and for this reason suggest that supplements provide the easiest way to reach the required intake.

Professor Cedric Garland, leading the research team, said: "A preponderance of evidence, from the best observational studies the medical world has to offer, gathered over 25 years, has led to the conclusion that public health action is needed. "Primary prevention of these cancers has largely been neglected, but we now have proof that the incidence of colon, breast, and ovarian cancer can be reduced dramatically by increasing the public's intake of vitamin D.

"The easiest and most reliable way of getting the appropriate amount is from food and a daily supplement." But British cancer charities have reacted with caution to the research, with Sara Hiom, head of health information at Cancer Research UK, warning that "further research is needed to understand what role vitamin D may play in preventing cancer in humans".

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