Oncology 101

The Relationship Between Vitamin D and Cancer

Denise Mitchell

nutrition, diet, breast cancer, breast neoplasms, colorectal cancer, colorectal neoplasms, prostate cancer, prostatic neoplasms, vitamin D
CJON 2011, 15(5), 557-560. DOI: 10.1188/11.CJON.557-560

Vitamin D, a fat-soluble vitamin naturally present in very few foods, is synthesized when ultraviolet rays from sunlight contact the skin. Research suggests that vitamin D insufficiency may result from lack of exposure to sunlight and ultraviolet-B radiation. Individuals from geographic areas of high latitude and low sunlight exposure may be at increased risk for vitamin D deficiency. Emerging evidence supports the protective role of vitamin D in the prevention of several cancers, including breast, colon, and prostate.

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