According to a study in the “Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism”, cancer patients who have higher levels of vitamin D fare better than patients who are deficient in this vitamin.
The study involved more than 17,000 cancer patients and found that those with higher vitamin D levels remained in remission longer, and had improved survival rates, especially those with breast cancer, colorectal cancer, and lymphoma.
Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin (actually a hormone but called a vitamin) that is needed to be healthy and maintain strong bones. Known as the "sunshine vitamin", vitamin D is formed when skin is exposed to the sun's ultraviolet rays and is also found in dietary supplements and certain foods.
Tragically, we have been taught to fear exposure to the sun so most people are either deficient or have less than optimal blood levels of vitamin D. Optimal blood levels are now recognized as the upper range of 50 to 100 ng/ml.
Sunscreen blocks the UVB rays of the sun that are essential for the production of vitamin D.Living above the Mason Dixon line provides less exposure to the vitamin D producing rays of sun and in the late Fall, Winter, and early Spring it is impossible to produce vitamin D from the sun in the northern hemisphere. Thus, if you live in this area, you need to consider discreet vitamin D3 supplementation. Vitamin D is necessary for the body to use calcium and magnesium efficiently. It is important in keeping the bone structure and immune system strong. Rhonda and this editor take a daily vitamin D supplement of 5,000 IU. Vitamin D3 is the active form of vitamin D that the body utilizes most efficiently (as opposed to D2).
