Benefits of Vitamin D
Over the past 18 months, evidence has emerged suggesting that vitamin D may reduce the risk for colorectal cancer, breast cancer, prostate cancer, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, multiple myeloma and other diseases such as multiple sclerosis.
Many cancers, in particular breast cancer, prostate cancer and bowel cancer, that correlate with latitude. This corresponds with the amount of Vitamin D produced naturally in response to sun exposure.
Since exposure to the sun carries risks for skin cancer, cataract formation and premature ageing, people need to take a moderate, balanced approach, and not trade cancers for cancer. A moderate, balanced approach is essential.
Some limited exposure unprotected may in fact reduce your risk of disease, but people should still follow sun sense guidelines, such as not overexposing themselves between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m., and wearing sunscreen when the UV index is higher than three.
How much sun people need depends on age, skin colour, where you live, and the intensity of the sun — factors that influence how quickly vitamin D is produced.
Most experts believe the current recommendation of 400 units of vitamin D a day for people up to age 50, and 600 units daily for those over 70, is probably too low. Somewhere between 400 units and the upper safe limit of 2,000 units a day is optimal.
People may also increase their dietary intake by eating foods naturally high in vitamin D such as fatty fish like salmon, and eggs. Cow’s milk is fortified with vitamin D in Canada, and some cheeses and yogurt contain vitamin D.