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VITAMIN D CUTS RISK OF CANCER

Vitamin D can slash the risk of getting bowel cancer by 40 per cent, according to the latest researc

Friday January 22,2010

By Victoria Fletcher

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VITAMIN D can slash the risk of getting bowel cancer by 40 per cent, according to the latest research.

The first large-scale trial of its kind has revealed strong evidence that the “sunshine vitamin” is key to fighting the disease.

Scientists last night warned against rushing out to buy vitamin pills, however, because it is not clear whether large doses are safe.

Around 90 per cent of our vitamin D comes from exposure to sunlight. Although too much sun can trigger skin cancer, most experts agree that a 10 to 15 minute walk in the sun will boost vitamin D levels without causing skin damage.

During these outings, people are advised to avoid sunscreen and expose as much of their body as possible to the UV rays. But in winter, getting enough vitamin D from the sun can be almost impossible in the UK. Experts recommend eating foods rich in vitamin D such as eggs and mackerel instead. Vitamin D supplements in the form of fish oil tablets may also help, although experts warn that no more than 25 micrograms a day should come from this source because higher levels are believed to damage bones and kidneys.

Although vitamin D has already been shown to reduce the risk of heart disease, slow the ageing process and protect against brittle bones and multiple sclerosis, its role in protecting against cancer has up to now been unclear.

The latest study, looking at 500,000 people in 10 western European countries, has revealed that those with the highest levels of vitamin D in their blood have the lowest risk of cancer. Bowel cancer is the second most common cause of cancer death after lung cancer. Around 37,500 patients are diagnosed every year and 16,000 die.

Around one case in 10 is linked to obesity with many more are linked to poor diet and alcohol abuse.

Vitamin D deficiency has also led to a rise in the number of cases of rickets, doctors warned yesterday.

The condition, which stunts children’s growth, is traditionally linked to the poverty of Victorian times, not 21st century Britain.

According to a report in the British Medical Journal, a “few hundred” children are now treated each year for rickets. More than 20 new cases are discovered every year in Newcastle upon Tyne alone.

Dr Tim Cheetham, of Newcastle University, said: “I am dismayed by the increasing numbers of children we are treating with this entirely preventable condition.

“Fifty years ago, many children would have been given regular doses of cod liver oil, but this practice has all but died out.”

As well as a change in diet, modern children also spend more time indoors playing on their computers instead of outside in the sunshine.

Dr Cheetham and Professor Simon Pearce are calling for vitamin D to be added to milk and other foods. Professor Pearce said: “Kids tend to stay indoors more these days instead of enjoying the fresh air. This means their vitamin D levels are worse than in previous years.

“A change in public health policy is required. Health professionals have been slow to deal with this problem, even though we have known about it for a while.”

Half of all adults are estimated to have vitamin D deficiency in winter and spring. The problem is worst in northern England and Scotland.

The good news for people battling the winter gloom is that vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin. This means you don’t need to take it every day because any that enters the body is stored up for future use.

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AND STILL.

22.01.10, 7:52pm

the doctors and dieticians tell us not to supplement. They claim it MAYbe harmful, its all in the food, (and sun), makes expensive urine, not sufficient evidence..Simple and effective scare tactics.

However, the 2008 figures just in show ZERO deaths from vitamin,,mineral, herb and amino acid supplementation.

IYet, in the USA approx 250.000 deaths are reported annually fro the side effects of medications.

I take 5000iu Vitamin D daily, (US statndard). Dr Joseph Mercola fis teh US expert.

• Posted by: Tommytcg • Report Comment

MISINFORMATION ABOUT VITAMIN D

22.01.10, 4:23pm

Experts do not say we should not exceed 25 micrograms of vitamin D.
The D*Action panel consisting of 30 of the worlds foremost experts recommend everyone to take a supplement containing 50 micrograms followed by a blood test. Most people will need more to obtain optimum blood levels. I personally take. 50 in summer and 150 in winter.
BUPA recently recommended everyone take 50 to prevent cancer.
It has been established that upper safe limit is 250 micrograms per day long term.
50 micrograms = 2,000 iu
More information:
http://www.grassrootshealth.net/
http://www.vitamindcouncil.org/

• Posted by: Doctor_John • Report Comment

EXPERT OPINION

22.01.10, 10:40am

If there is an acknowledged expert in the field of Vitamin D, it's Dr David Grimes. He has been saying this stuff for years, including articles in the BMJ. He has a brilliant book out - Vitamin D and Cholesterol - that is definitely worth reading.

• Posted by: Cathi • Report Comment