Vitamin D Linked to Reduced Colon Cancer Risk
A look at numerous studies found that high blood levels of vitamin D may offer protection against colorectal cancer.
An international team of researchers conducted a new meta-analysis (analyzing the results of multiple studies already conducted), published in the International Journal of Cancer . They found that for every 10 nanograms per milliliter increase in levels of vitamin D, the associated risk of colorectal cancer decreased by 15 percent.
The association between vitamin D levels and breast cancer was less clear; certain types of studies indicated a risk reduction of 17 percent while others showed less.
The link between vitamin D intake and protection from cancer dates to the 1940s, when a link was seen between latitude – how far north or south a person lives – and deaths from cancer, and it was suggested that sunlight gave "a relative cancer immunity". Since then there have been numerous studies suggesting associations between vitamin D and lower risks of certain cancers.
Vitamin D has been also been linked with a number of other benefits, from bone and cardiovascular health to improved immunity, sleep and mood. It was increased in the recent reformulation of Basic Nutrient Support®, and is also found in Bone Support and Sleep Support.