Can Vitamin D Prevent Cancer?

Cancer is a fatal disease that has become as common as heart attack. While it was earlier believed that smoking was the leading cause of cancer, recent trends indicate that children may also acquire it. Since the cause of the disease is unclear, it is essential to know the preventive measures. One such nutrient that can reduce the chances of acquiring cancer isVitamin D. Continue reading and howVitamin Dplays a role in preventing different types of cancer.

What essentially is Vitamin D?

One of the most common sources of Vitamin D is the sun. Thus, Vitamin D is a nutrient that needs to be absorbed by the skin. For the uninitiated, Vitamin D is vital for bone strength and the overall functioning of limbs. Once the initial stage of Vitamin D accumulation is over, it goes straight to the liver, where it is converted into an active form of 25-hydroxy-Vitamin D, also referred to as calcidiol. Further, it is transferred to the kidney where it changes into calcitriol.

Vitamin D is essential for both adults and children alike because it helps the skeletal system to mineralize for stronger bones and to absorb dietary calcium. Cancer is the irregular growth and multiplication of cells in different parts of the body. Since Vitamin D regulates cell growth, it is correlated positively with the prevention of cancer. Moreover, it can help in reducing the chances of several deadly diseases, such as colon, breast, and prostate cancer.

Is there any particular limit on theVitamin Dunits that the human body needs?

Individuals are often concerned aboutVitamin Dunits that they need to consume every day. However, you first need to think of how our ancestors survived even when science had not advanced. Well, the answer lies in the daily schedule. Since the sun is a greatsource of Vitamin D, it is vital to play outside and spend some time in outdoor physical activity. The units ofVitamin Dthat your body needs are directly related to your body weight. Thus, you generally require 1,5002,000 units ofVitamin Dper day. In case you are overweight, then the number of units needs to be increased accordingly.

CanVitamin Dreduce the chances of colon cancer?

There is no definite answer as to how one can prevent cancer. However, as per recent medical studies and experiments, then higher 25-hydroxy-Vitamin D levels are directly linked to lower chances of developingColon Cancer. While one research suggests that 1,000 units ofVitamin Dper day can reducethe symptoms of Colon Cancer by 50%, another study suggests that the reduction is somewhere between 25% and 50%. Either way,Vitamin Dis helpful. While studies are being conducted and more data continue to surface, research supports the fact thatVitamin Dis beneficial to the body.

CanVit-Dhelp in reducing the chances of other tumors?

A frequent tumor that turns into cancer is found in the breasts. Thus, Dr. Knight from Canada conducted a study on two groups of women, wherein one group was suffering from breast cancer and one group was healthy. After intense interviews and data collection, she found that the healthy group of women had considerably spent more time in the sun. The risk of acquiring breast cancer was reduced by 70% among women who had more sun exposure as teenagers and young adults.

Is there any evidence thatVitamin Dcan ultimately reduce the chances of cancer?

There is no such firm statement from any medical institute or body that if you have sufficient Vitamin D, then you will not have cancer. One of the leading examples is the Indian cricketer, Yuvraj Singh. Though he had spent a significant portion of his life on the field, he was diagnosed with cancer some years back. However, he recovered later and continued to play for the team.

While individuals with sufficient Vitamin D may also have cancer, the Vitamin accelerates the impact ofColon Cancer treatmentby 25%. It is one of the leading reasons why patients are given externalVitamin D. Please note that cancer cells take time to develop. Thus, short-term exposure toVitamin Dmay not be as helpful. You need to incorporate sun-time and physical play into your daily schedule and maintain it.

Is there any ongoing study on vitamin D?

Medicine and science are two dynamic fields in which investigations and innovations never stop. Millions of researchers across the globe are actively involved in searching for ways to prevent cancer. Thus, it is not a surprise thatVitamin Dis the topic of study for many researchers. Since several minds and efforts are put in the same direction, development is bound to be witnessed globally.