Vitamin D and Prostate Cancer

Get More Vitamin D and Safe Your Prostate

A new study finds that Vitamin D may reduce the risk of prostate cancer, or at least prevent it from becoming aggressive.

Experts have known that Vitamin D can help stop the growth of certain cancers, and some studies have shown that the rate of prostate cancer is lower in southern states where sunshine is more abundant

Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer in men after lung cancer. The research, presented at the 2005 Multidisciplinary Prostate Cancer Symposium in the US, is the first to demonstrate a link between the vitamin and prevention of prostate cancer.

Previous studies have found an association with this vitamin and other cancers such as breast and colon. Vitamin D is being increasingly studied for its cancer protective action, following findings that cancer death rates are lower in countries with sunnier climates. The body requires sunlight to manufacture vitamin D.

Vitamin D levels are also lower in older men, who are most prone to prostate cancer.

In addition, blacks, who have a lot of melanin in their skin, which blocks the ultraviolet light needed for vitamin D production, also have the highest rates of prostate cancer.

This research underscores the importance of obtaining adequate vitamin D through skin exposure to sunlight or through diet, including food and supplements.

Supplements and fortified foods are seen as an effective way of improving levels of the vitamin without putting skin at risk through increased exposure to sun.  The best source of vitamin D at the moment is fortified cereals.

Another study presented at the conference found that overweight and obese men are more likely to be diagnosed with advanced prostate cancer and die of the disease than men who are of a normal weight.

Being obese may delay the diagnosis of prostate cancer and could also be associated with a biologically more aggressive form of prostate cancer, said the researchers.

Have a look at the Prostate Cancer Prevention Program