Vitamin D Colon Cancer Treatment

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Reader Question: I have a family history of cancer and have heard that lack of vitamin D might increase your risk. Should I take a supplement?

It can't hurt. An impressive (and growing) body of evidence supports a link between low vitamin D levels and an increased risk of developing colon cancer and breast cancer. One new study, published in the Archives of Internal Medicine, found that low levels of vitamin D were associated with an increased risk of death from any cause.

So how much D do you need? Unfortunately, we really don't know. The National Academy of Sciences currently recommends 200 IUs of vitamin D for people up to age 50 and 400–600 IUs for people older than that. (Note: These numbers include the vitamin D you get from food, and also the vitamin D your body manufactures when your skin is exposed to sunlight.) But some experts think that a higher amount (800–1,000 IUs) would offer additional health benefits. At the very least, I'd take a multivitamin that includes vitamin D. You should also ask your doctor to check your vitamin D level (it's a simple blood test) to find out where you stand. The American Medical Association is in the process of doing a comprehensive report on vitamin D, and when the results are available I'll be sure to share them with you.

I want to hear from you, so e-mail me your questions at dailywd@womansday.com.

Disclaimer: Your seeking information on health related topics and/or Sandra Adamson Fryhofer, MD's providing such information herein constitutes neither the solicitation of nor the provision of medical advice, services, care or treatment. Communication with Dr. Fryhofer on this website does not create a doctor/patient relationship. For concerns about your own particular medical condition, you should consult your own medical professional, who can examine and evaluate you. Communication on a website is not a substitute for taking an active role in your own medical care and treatment and being personally seen by a physician of choice in your area.

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Vitamin D Colon Cancer Treatment

Source: https://www.womansday.com/life/a42199/vitamin-d-cancer-5535/