Why Vitamin D may be a Good Investment

Recently, there has been a lot of controversy over vitamin D and its effects on Cancer. To make one thing clear, vitamin D does not prevent Cancer. Instead, evidence is shows that an adequate amount of vitamin D within the body can decrease the mortality rate in those who have been diagnosed with Cancer. It is important to keep in mind that the recommended Vitamin D dosage can vary from person to person. However, the recommended intake for adults aged 19-70 is 600 IU according to National Institute of Health and 800 IU for those seventy-one and older. The reason Vitamin D recommendations vary have a lot to do with working conditions (how much time someone is spending indoors or at home) and even skin color., People of color, specifically Blacks or Africans have more melanin than others. Melanin is what creates the darker pigmentation that could limit Vitamin D absorption within the skin. This means that the recommendation of an African American individual may be different that one who is Caucasian. Also, recommendations vary depending on geographical location and region. Not all areas have the same amount of sunlight in a day which is a primary source of vitamin D. With less sunlight, less vitamin D is made. However, in a study conducted in Germany in 2016, Vitamin D supplementation was used to analyze the correlation between consuming an increased level of Vitamin D and its potential effect on mortality related to Cancer. What this study found was that 30,000 cancer related deaths were prevented after an increase in Vitamin D supplementation. Another study conducted by the National Institute of Health also found a correlation between decreased mortality in cancer patients with increased levels of vitamin D. The reasoning behind this is that there may be a correlation between vitamin D and its effect on our cellular growth. However, more research would need to be done.

Now before we all run to the store to buy this amazing nutrient, there are a few things worth noting. First, it is important to meet with your doctor or dietitian to assess your specific vitamin D need.

The reason this is important runs deeper than just health benefits— it can be cost effective as well. In a recent study titled “Vitamin D may prevent cancer death in people aged above 50 years: Study” conducted by Tobias Niedermaier, German Cancer Research Center, and other colleagues, it was estimated that $3.7 billion would be saved in Cancer related expenses if the American Government spent 5 cents a day supplying Vitamin D supplements to Americans and may prevent around 78,000 deaths per year. This conclusion was drawn after the analysis of the study conducted in Germany. So vitamin D is more important than what we once thought. Not only is there a potential of it lowering Cancer related mortality, but from a policy standpoint, it is also cost effective on a governmental level. Until then though it is important to remember a couple things. This information is not to say that it is okay to consume all the vitamin D we can because too much can be toxic. More than 4,000 IU in vitamin D can harm the body and lead to problems such as constipation, stomach pain and even kidney failure. It is important that you know your vitamin D baseline prior to supplementation and a doctor or dietitian can provide you with that information.

Also, there are more than one type of vitamin D, Vitamin D2 and D3. So what is the difference? Vitamin D3 comes from animals while Vitamin D2 comes from plant sources This means that vitamin D2 and Vitamin D3 is also found in forms outside of supplementation and can be consumed through food such as fatty fish (Vitamin D2), mushrooms (Vitamin D3), and in foods or drinks fortified with Vitamin D such as orange juice and milk. The primary source however is through the activation and absorption of vitamin D when our skin is exposed to sunlight. We do not want too much exposure damage and harm the skin. However, it is better to work on maintaining adequate levels of about 600 IU a day as the body does need time to reach the recommended levels!

References:

Does vitamin d have a role in cancer prevention? (n.d.). Retrieved March 30, 2021, from https://www.cancernetwork.com/view/does-vitamin-d-have-role-cancer-prevention

Evidence analysis library. (n.d.). Retrieved March 31, 2021, from https://www.eatrightpro.org/research/applied-practice/evidence-analysis-library

Garland, C., Garland, F., Gorham, E., Lipkin, M., Newmark, H., Mohr, S., & Holick, M. (2006, February). The role of vitamin d in cancer prevention. Retrieved March 30, 2021, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1470481/

Medha. (2021, March 24). Vitamin D may prevent cancer death in people aged above 50 years: Study. Retrieved March 30, 2021, from https://medicaldialogues.in/oncology/news/vitamin-d-may-prevent-cancer-death-in-people-aged-above-50-years-study-75860?infinitescroll=1