A large daily dose of vitamin D can significantly reduce the risk of developing colon, breast and ovarian cancer, a new study suggests. (Photo source: yahoo)
BEIJING, Dec. 29(Xinhuanet) -- A large daily dose of vitamin D can significantly reduce the risk of developing colon, breast and ovarian cancer, a new study suggests.
Researchers at the University of California in San Diego reviewed 63 studies between 1966 and 2004.
They found that the vitamin D can cut the risk of colon, breast and ovarian cancers, among others, by as much as 50 percent.
"There's nothing that has this ability to prevent cancer," said Dr. Cedric Garland, leader of the study, urging governments and public health officials to do more to fortify foods with vitamin D.
D3, the natural form of the vitamin, is normally produced in the skin by the action of sunlight, but it is found in foods such as yogurt, cheese, orange juice, fatty fish and milk.
Vitamin D deficiency may account for several thousand premature deaths in the US each year. The study found particularly high rates in the north-eastern US, and among darker skinned individuals, who are at increased risk due to a lack of sunshine-generated vitamin D.
However, large doses of Vitamin D can be dangerous, as it leads to the body absorbing excess calcium, which can damage the liver and kidneys.
(Agencies)
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