Vitamin D can reduce cancer risk in older women

A new study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition has shown supplementation with vitamin D3 can reduce the risk of several types of cancer by 60% overall for older women.

It is the first time that researchers significantly boosted and measured blood levels of vitamin D and then followed identical groups of patients from start to finish. The results support other studies on the significance of vitamin D in reducing the risk of cancer.

“This research suggests that people should consider taking a 1000IU vitamin D3 supplement – it’s a safe and affordable vitamin that we’re not getting enough of from our diet,” said Dr Michael Kimlin, senior research fellow from Queensland University of Technology and a vitamin D expert.

“Keep up your sun protection because of the risk of overexposure to the sun, and boost your levels of vitamin D in consultation with your healthcare professional.”

The body produces vitamin D when skin is exposed to sunlight. However, some sections of the population are not making enough vitamin D because they receive little exposure to the sun . In fact in the southern states of Australia 43% of women in one survey were vitamin D deficient.

More than three quarters of older Australian people are vitamin D deficient and there are a number of reasons for this. As we age the skin’s ability to produce vitamin D decreases and we require more exposure to sunlight. Nursing home patients may be affected as they often don’t get the opportunity to go outside and get direct sunlight.

This new four year study followed 1,180 female participants aged over 55 which found a 60% lower cancer risk over four years in the group taking both supplements, compared to patients taking placebos. When the first-year cancers were excluded — the ones mostly likely present before the study began — the findings were stronger still: a 77% lower risk for the combo group.

Experts reviewing the study focused on vitamin D as the powerful agent in the combo group, but it can’t be ruled out that calcium might somehow amplify the effect of vitamin D.

“This is very exciting preliminary data showing a reduction in the incidence of cancers by 60% to 80%,” said Chris Oliver, director of Blackmore’s Research Centre at Southern Cross University.

“The outcome of this study could have a significant impact on a lot of Australians. We urgently need follow up studies on vitamin D in this area.”