Dear Dr Cannell: Sunlight, vitamin D and the prevention of cancer
November 5, 2012 -- John Cannell, MD
Dear Dr. Cannell:
Making vitamin D through sun exposure is the natural way to maintain D levels as shown through hundreds of thousands of years of human history. I analyzed a paper on about 50 studies of various internal cancers and their relationship to vitamin D, latitude, and sun exposure. Most of the analysis was focused on four cancer types: breast, colon, prostate and lymphoma. Overall van der Rhee concluded that while vitamin D levels/supplementation was only consistently associated with a decrease in colon cancer, sun exposure was consistently associated with a decrease in all four cancers.
van der Rhee H, Coebergh JW, de Vries E. Sunlight, vitamin D and the prevention of cancer: a systematic review of epidemiological studies. Eur J Cancer Prev. 2009 Nov;18(6):458-75
I took it a step further by quantifying the percentage of studies that found a significant decrease in cancer as reported by van der Rhee.
- Sunlight and latitude studies: 77.1% show significant correlation
- Vitamin D level studies: 63.4% show significant correlation
- Diet or supplementation studies: 47.4% show significant correlation
Review: The facts on vitamin D and fertility
November 2, 2012 -- John Cannell, MD
Up to 15% of couples are infertile and about 20% of infertility is unexplained by known causes. If you are trying to get pregnant or are having difficulty getting pregnant, a recent review paper should interest you. Continue reading → (membership required)
RCT: Vitamin D, strength, and exercise in COPD patients
October 30, 2012 -- Brant Cebulla
A new analysis of a randomized controlled trial has found that vitamin D helps inspiratory muscle strength and peak exercise tolerance in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients. Continue reading → (membership required)
Vitamin D Day video
November 2, 2012 -- Kate Saley
In this video, Dr Cannell discusses the importance of moderate sun exposure and vitamin D for Vitamin D Day, November 2nd. Continue reading → (no membership required)
Is D deficiency a risk factor for peripheral artery disease?
October 31, 2012 -- John Cannell, MD
Peripheral artery disease (PAD) causes plaque buildup in the arteries, and is associated with cardiovascular disease and stroke. Dr Cannell discusses a paper reviewing the evidence that vitamin D deficiency is yet another risk factor for PAD. Continue reading → (no membership required)
Remember to vote for VDC in the FedEx Grant Contest!
November 6, 2012 -- Vitamin D Council
The Vitamin D Council is taking part in Fed Ex's small business grant contest for a change to win up to $25,000! The winner will be picked based on how compelling their story is and how many votes they acquire. Help us be a contender by voting! Each person can vote once a day up until November 24th. The grant will help the VDC continue our mission in educating health professionals and the general public about vitamin D and vitamin D deficiency. So, tell your friends and family to join in and vote daily! Click here to view our grant contest page.
November 2nd is Vitamin D Day; Vitamin D Council takes action to help spread awareness
November 1, 2012 -- Vitamin D News
The Vitamin D Council is doing their part on Vitamin D Day by using their member base and social media outlets to help spread awareness on vitamin D. Continue reading → (news)
Finnish University to re-analyze vitamin D supplements
November 5, 2012 -- Vitamin D News
Last week, researchers from The University of Finland revealed that a majority of vitamin D supplements the university tested contained significantly less vitamin D compared with what they advertized. Continue reading → (news)
Vitamin D Day success!
November 2, 2012
Vitamin D Day was a complete success! We want to thank everyone for your involvement in getting the word out about Vitamin D Day. Remember to continue discussing vitamin D awareness throughout the month of November. Follow the action on the Vitamin D Day Facebook page to see what others are saying about Vitamin D Day!