Vitamin D May Protect Against Certain Cancers

News regarding the sunshine vitamin just keeps getting sunnier.  A new study currently published on the journal Genome Research has discovered a biologic interaction between Vitamin D and the genes of certain cancers and autoimmune diseases; such an interaction could indicate that the vitamin may protect against these illnesses.

Details of the Study

The study, led by Oxford researcher Sreeram Ramagopalan, was initially conducted to study Vitamin D receptor binding with certain genes; serendipitously, the team discovered increased VDR binding among genes specifically associated with multiple sclerosis, Crohn’s disease, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, colorectal cancer and chronic lymphocytic leukemia. 

 In the study abstract, the authors stated that “VDR binding sites were significantly enriched near autoimmune and cancer associated genes identified from genome wide association studies.”
In addition, the researchers analyzed the points in the human body that Vitamin D directly influences; they discovered such biologic interaction in 200 genes.

More Vitamin D News

This particular study adds to the growing litany of therapeutic discoveries associated with Vitamin D. On a very near daily basis, Vitamin D is making headlines across the world.  Here are some of the most recent findings:

*As previously reported by Food Consumer, Vitamin D has a positive effect on those suffering from psoriasis.  According to an article published in the Archives of Dermatology, UV-B therapy during the winter eases the symptoms of this intensely uncomfortable, chronic condition.

*According to the Vitamin D Council, a recent study has shown that women who have severe, pregnancy complicated high blood pressure generally had lower levels of Vitamin D than healthy pregnant women.
* An Austrian study has also verified the positive effect Vitamin D has on high blood pressure.  In speaking of the study , the authors are quoted in the Vitamin D Council Newsletter as saying, “The currently recommended intake of vitamin D needs to be revised upwards by at least an order of magnitude.”

Recommendations

And what exactly constitutes an upward revision by “an order of magnitude?”  Currently, the following dosages are recommended:
*200 IU until the age of 50
*400 IU for those ages 51-70
*600 IU for those over 70

However, Ramagopalan and other vitamin D experts contend that 2,000 IU are more likely to be optimal in preventing certain cancers and autoimmune diseases.  The Vitamin D Council foresees that the US RDA recommendation will likely increase to at least 1,000 IU.
 
The agency also predicts that “physiological doses” of 4,000 to 10,000 IU of D3 through a combination of sun, food and supplementation in tandem with regular monitoring of blood calcidiol and calcium levels will become standard practice in treating the following Vitamin D deficiency related conditions:  autoimmune illness, autism, chronic pain, depression, diabetes, heart disease, hyperthyroidism, hypertension, influenza and osteoporosis.