Take Vitamin D To Protect From Cancer
This is the first clinical study comparing the efficacy of a supplement (supplement) of vitamin D to a placebo (inactive product). Previous epidemiological studies rather measured among participants, their consumption of vitamin D in their diet and sun exposure.
The fact that participants were randomly assigned to receive placebo or supplements can eliminate the possibility that the people taking vitamin D also have other health habits that can explain a decreased risk of cancer.
The study was conducted among 1180 women aged over 55 years. They received either a daily supplement of calcium combined with 1100 international units (IU) of vitamin D3, a calcium supplement alone, or placebo.
The results show a decrease of 60% risk of developing cancer for those taking vitamin D. The effect of calcium alone was zero.
Some experts supplements at least 1000 IU are necessary for protection against cancer and other diseases. Besides research, under the Women’s Health Initiative (WHI), in which 400 IU of vitamin D was administered to women did not show any significant effect of vitamin D on colorectal cancers.