Vitamin D Decreases Cancer Risks

With over 800 scientific papers published on the relationship between vitamin D and cancers, there is ample evidence that maintaining adequate vitamin D levels is an effective strategy for protection against cancer. 

Vitamin D can also block cancer cell growth in a number of ways: it alters the expression of genes that regulate inflammation, cell death and cell proliferation, and also interferes with the growth-promoting actions of IGF-1 and other growth factors. 

Additional anti-cancer effects of vitamin D include enhanced DNA repair and immune defenses, and angiogenesis inhibition.

Although Health Canada sticks to recommending 600 IU per day for people 9-70 years old, it takes about 2000 IU of Vitamin D daily to bring most people to a favourable blood range. Maximum tolerable levels are 4000 IU daily. After that, it might be harmful.

Unfortunately, most multivitamins contain only 400 IU. 

 Getting about 30 minutes of sun exposure between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. twice a week usually leads to sufficient vitamin D synthesis, according to the National Institutes of Health but it can promote the growth of skin cancer cells.

It's best to ingest your Vitamin D which is found in eggs, fortified cereals, salmon, tuna, shrimp, mushrooms and cod liver oil. 

Your doctor can order a blood test  to see if you are currently getting enough. 

Although I get plenty of sun and eat all the above foods, I still take a daily supplement of 2000 IU of D3 everyday. Best to be safe is my motto.