Vitamin D staves off….DEATH?

Okay, so the effect may be small, but it was statistically significant. Combined results of 18 studies showed those who supplemented with vitamin D have 7-8% reduced risk of dying from any cause compared to those who did not take a vitamin D supplement. D dosages varied between 300 and 2000IU. Although we do not completely understand how vitamin D helps extend life, we have documented increased rates of cancer, heart disease and diabetes in those with low blood levels of D.

Additionally, an in vitro study showed vitamin D increases production of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, an enzyme known to clear cancer-causing radicals from healthy cells. Results from studies such as this prompted the Canadian Cancer Society to recommend supplementing 1000 IU vitamin D to prevent cancer. For my male readers, please note other research shows that vitamin D does NOT protect prostrate cells from cancer.

Researchers found no negative side effects from taking 1000IU vitamin D daily. Better Living News Bites reported on November 7, 2008 that taking 1000IU/day may help reduce falls in seniors. See “Let’s keep Mom upright!”.

Bottom Line: If you do not get daily sun exposure, chose a 1000IU supplement of vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) and have your physician monitor your blood levels.


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Simon JA. Review: vitamin D supplementation decreases all-cause mortality in adults and older people.
Evid Based Med. 2008 Apr;13(2):47.

Chen TC. 25-Hydroxyvitamin D-1 alpha-hydroxylase (CYP27B1) is a new class of tumor suppressor in the prostate.
Anticancer Res. 2008 Jul-Aug;28(4A):2015-7

Bao BY, Ting HJ, Hsu JW, Lee YF. Protective role of 1 alpha, 25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 against oxidative stress in nonmalignant human prostate epithelial cells.
Int J Cancer. 2008 Jun 15;122(12):2699-706.