Several different studies over several years conclude that an activated version of vitamin D, created when the skin is exposed to sunlight has a protective effect against prostate cancer.
In one study, researchers compared a group of 450 patients with prostate cancer to a group of 455 men of similar age and race without prostate cancer. Using a portable device that compared skin colors in different areas of the body to measure how much sun exposure each man received, they discovered that the risk of prostate cancer was 50 percent less in those men with the highest levels of sun exposure.
Depending on some gene variations found in individual men, increasing the active levels of vitamin D through sun exposure caused a reduction of prostate cancer risk by as much as 65 percent.
Other research has shown that vitamin D promotes the growth of normal prostate tissue and inhibits the spread (metastasis) of prostate cancer cells to other parts of the body.
Historically, dietary studies have not shown a correlation between increased vitamin D levels and a reduction in prostate cancer risk, and now some scientists believe the reason that the recommended daily allowance currently listed by the US government is not nearly adequate to provide the reduction.
Another study demonstrated that injections of DN-101 (an activated form of vitamin D) in addition to a standard chemotherapy for men with stage IV prostate cancer live significantly longer than men who received the chemotherapy alone.
Recomendations:
Researchers in one study recommended that the levels of vitamin D needed to provide the reduction in prostate cancer risk can be achieved with 30 minutes of exposure to sunlight several times a week.
Another researcher is recommending that although more study is necessary, the safest way to get the vitamin D levels high enough to provide the protective effect is through supplementation. If you decide to take a vitamin D supplement (compare prices), please note: Vitamin D overdoses will cause hypercalcemia and kidney damage.
If you are a man with Stage IV advanced prostate cancer, you may want to see if you qualify for one of the clinical trials of DN-101 that may be available. Search for the key terms vitamin D, taxotere, and DN-101.
