By Michelle Thibodeau, Natural Nutritional Practitioner & Certified Professional Cancer Coach.
Higher vitamin D levels linked with improved prostate cancer survival
On January 25, 2016 an article published online in Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention, researchers at the National Cancer Institute in Bethesda, Maryland documented an association between higher serum vitamin D levels and an increased chance of surviving prostate cancer. The study included 1000 participants from the Alpha-Tocopherol, Beta-Carotene Cancer Prevention Study who were diagnosed with prostate cancer following enrollment. Of this thousand participants 363 died of their disease over a 23 year follow-up from time of diagnosis. All participants completed questionnaires concerning diet and medical history and Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels and other factors were measured upon enrollment.
Between men whose vitamin D levels were among the top 20% of subjects, there was a 28% lower average adjusted risk of dying from prostate cancer compared to those whose levels were in the lowest 20%. The effect was stronger for those who survived more than 3.3 years.
If you decide to supplement with vitamin D choose a good quality liquid/drop formula for best absorption and make sure you buy from a reputable health food store. Most people should supplement with at least 6000 IU daily. Be sure to have your levels tested from time to time; ask your doctor. In some areas you have to pay for this yourself at the lab (usually about $35) or you can order a home kit from the D Action Project.
Michelle Thibodeau Registered Holistic Nutritionist and Health & Cancer Coach at Fascial Connections Myofascial Release and Wellness Centre. Learn more about Michelle. Call to book an appointment or go online to www.fascialconncections.ca
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