As today marks World Cancer Day emphasis is put on doing all we can to help in reducing our risk. No easy feat considering current statistics state that one out of two people will have cancer in their lifetime. Vitamin D known as the “sunshine” vitamin helps with a multitude of ailments including its ability to lower cancer risk. How?
Some decades ago scientists noticed that people living in sunnier parts of the world had lower rates of cancer and fewer deaths from the disease than others.
After years of research, there are still no definite answers about whether it can prevent cancer or play a role in its treatment.
However, some evidence suggests that efforts to improve vitamin D in the body could reduce cancer incidence and mortality, with few or no adverse effects.
Scientists have done different research on the role of vitamin D in colorectal cancer.
Though the results are not totally consistent, a number of studies found that higher levels of vitamin D are linked with a lower chance of getting the disease.
In studies of cancer cells and of tumours in mice, vitamin D has been found to have several activities that might slow or prevent the development of cancer, including promoting cellular differentiation, decreasing cancer cell growth, stimulating cell death, and reducing tumour blood vessel formation.
“Research suggests that women with low levels of vitamin D have a higher risk of breast cancer,” said Breastcancer.org.
The health site continued: “Vitamin D may play a role in controlling normal breast cell growth and may be able to stop breast cancer cells from growing.
“The two most reliable ways to boost your vitamin D level: get more direct sunlight exposure and take vitamin D3 supplements.
“Eating foods rich in vitamin D can help but is less effective.”
Vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium, which is essential for good bone health.
It also helps the immune, muscle, and nervous systems function properly.
Most vitamin D is made when an inactive form of the nutrient is activated in your skin when it’s exposed to sunlight.
Smaller amounts of vitamin D are in fortified milk and other foods, fatty fish, and eggs.
Vitamin D can help with a number of other health conditions including:
- Reduces the risk of multiple sclerosis
- Decreases the risk of heart disease
- Regulates mood and reduces depression symptoms
- Supports in weight loss
- Reduces risk of Covid.
