UCSD researchers say taking 1,000 units of Vitamin D every day appears to reduce one's risk of developing colorectal cancer. Researchers say their conclusion is based on a synthesis of 18 different studies. KPBS Reporter Kenny Goldberg has the story.
Dr. Cedric Garland from UCSD's Moores Cancer Center is one of the researchers who reviewed the literature on Vitamin D.
He says scientists have known for years there's a link between exposure to sunlight, a major source of Vitamin D, and colorectal cancer. For example, Garland says people who live at sunny latitudes have lower rates of the disease.
Garland: "But what we haven't been able to do as of yet until this synthesis, was to figure out that for individuals what oral dose of Vitamin D would duplicate the effect of the sunlight exposure."
Garland says appropriate daily intake of Vitamin D could help prevent colorectal cancer. The disease kills some 56,000 Americans annually.
Kenny Goldberg, KPBS News.
