Sunshine Could Prevent 600,000 Cases of Cancer Annually
Just in case we’re not getting the message yet about the wondrous benefits of the sun, here comes another study to educate us. As many as 600,000 cases of breast and colorectal cancers could be prevented each year if vitamin D3 levels were increased, states research from the Moores Cancer Center at the University of California, San Diego (UCSD).
This includes nearly 150,000 cases of cancer in the United States, and an estimated 250,000 cases of colorectal cancer and 350,000 cases of breast cancer worldwide. It is true particularly in countries north of the equator.
“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 was then applied to 177 countries to estimate the average serum level of a vitamin D metabolite of people living there.” (EurekAlert, August 21, 2007)
The message, depending on where you live, is you may need to consider taking in considerably higher levels of vitamin D3 than those currently recommended for a meaningful reduction in colorectal cancer.
Inadequate photosynthesis or oral intake of Vitamin D are also associated with high incidence and mortality rates of breast cancer in ecological and observational studies. According to pooled analysis, individuals with serum 25(OH)D of approximately 52 ng/ml had 50% lower risk of breast cancer than those with serum <13 ng/ml. This serum level corresponds to intake of 4000 IU/day, which exceeds the National Academy of Sciences upper limit of 2000 IU/day. (The Journal of Steroid Biochemistry and Molecular Biology March 2007; 103(3-5):708-11)
Researchers recommend a combination of supplements, dietary methods and short intervals of sun exposure – 10 or 15 minutes a day – with at least 40% of the skin exposed.
