Vitamin D Dramatically Cuts Cancer Risk

Ariclopydia · 09-01-08, 07:31

Increased intake of calcium and vitamin D might reduce the risk of cancer in women by at least 60 percent, according to a new study
.

The four-year clinical trial involved more than 1,000 women over the age of 55 in one of three supplement groups: 1) calcium (1400-1500mg) plus vitamin D (1100 IU vitamin D) 2) calcium only (1400-1500 mg) or 3) a placebo (a dummy drug). The researchers found that the risk of developing cancer was 60 percent lower for those who took calcium and vitamin D and 47 percent lower for those taking calcium alone, compared to the placebo.

Fifty women developed non-skin cancer through the course of the four-year study, including breast, colon, lung and other cancers. When researchers excluded the 13 cancers diagnosed during first year of the study, determining these cancers were likely present at the study onset, the protective effect of calcium and vitamin D was even greater, with a 77 percent lower risk for cancer for those taking calcium plus vitamin D compared to the placebo.

The study has been published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.