Scientists suggest that vitamin D can help in cancer prevention
Often called the "sunshine vitamin" for its Association with sunlight exposure, vitamin D has long been associated with bone health. In the last decade has also been suggested that the vitamin may reduce the risks associated with cardiovascular disease, depression and diabetes, according to the Endocrine society.
Now, new research suggests that some types of cancer can also be included in this list. The study, published in "Seminars in cancer biology", state that low vitamin D levels linked to increased risk of various cancers, such as colon cancer, breast cancer and prostate cancer. Assumptions the most convincing in relation to colorectal cancer, and blood cancer such as leukemia and lymphoma.
However, the researchers added that despite this relationship, vitamin D supplementation in food for cancer patients in clinical trials have not promised reduction in mortality. This led them to speculate that the vitamin may be the most effective for cancer prevention and not of treatment.
Better immunity, more prevention
Each vitamin plays a role in the body, so why is vitamin D stands out as an important player when it comes to cancer prevention, as well as other potential benefits? This is probably due to how vitamins influence immune function, according to Dr. of Sciences Christian Elijah from the Fund of the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in the UK.
You can also be at higher risk of developing autoimmune diseases, according to a study of 2019 in "Frontiers of Immunology", which links low levels of vitamin D with conditions such as multiple sclerosis.
However, keep in mind that vitamin D is not a panacea immune system that cures all diseases. Not all studies showed a positive effect, according to the study "Trends in cancer research", held in 2018. Despite the fact that there are signs of improvement in immune responses, have yet to conduct additional studies to resolve differences between the studies.
How much do you need?
As for how much vitamin D you need daily in order to see its influence, it still remains a subject of debate. The recommended daily intake according to scientists, the US is 600 IU, but the Endocrine society offers to consume potentially much higher levels from 1500 to 2000 IU per day to reduce health risks.
Although supplementation is always possible, you can also rely on this old method of getting vitamin D: sunlight. You only need about 10-20 minutes of sun exposure a day to get your daily dose,according to the doctor of medical Sciences Michael Holika, the Director of the clinic for the treatment of bones at the medical center at Boston University.
"When you get vitamin D by exposure to sunlight, you're smart, as this reduces the risk of skin cancer," he says, offering to the sun light on the feet, hands and shoulders instead of the back(increases cancer risk) or faces(increases the risk of wrinkling). Use sunscreen after you get the initial dose of vitamin through sunlight, that is, after about 20 minutes of sun exposure.
In addition to sunlight some foods are also rich in vitamin D, such as:
-mushrooms -eggs -tuna -salmon
There is no universal prevention that is appropriate for all, despite the breadth of studies on vitamin D, and enthusiasts, who assiduously promote it for everything from prevention COVID-19 to treat depression.
Although vitamin D can be a good way to enhance your health, we offer you to make it part of a larger plan that includes several healthy habits that can prevent cancer and to reduce the negative impact on health.
This includes quality sleep, focus on stress reduction, fresh air, and, if possible, daily intake of fruit and vegetables. With these kind of tactics maintain the level of vitamin D may be useful for General health maintenance, not a separate strategy.
