Vitamin D May Prevent Cancer

At least one scientist argues for the benefits of tanning, Dr. Edward Giovannucci, a Harvard University professor of medicine and nutrition, recently presented a lecture for the American Association of Cancer Research. His research suggests that vitamin D may prevent 30 deaths for each one caused by skin cancer.

Dr. Giovannucci's presentation impressed the American Cancer Society's chief Epidemiologist, Dr. Michael Thun who is now reviewing the society's tanning guidelines. "There is now intriguing evidence that vitamin D may have a role in the prevention as well as the treatment of certain cancers," Thun said.

The human body can absorb vitamin D from a variety of sources that occur naturally like salmon, tuna, and the sun. Vitamin D is also routinely added to milk and available in supplements like vitamins. The government has not agreed on a RDA, or recommended daily allowance.

Both Dr. Holick and Dr. Thun don't want people to overdo their sun exposure. Dr. Holick encourages common sense and he points our that skin cancer is rarely fatal.

The most deadly form, melanoma, accounts for only 7,770 of the 570,280 cancer deaths expected to occur in the United States this year. There is no scientific evidence that moderate sun exposure causes Melanoma, Holick contends. There are more than 1 million milder forms of skin cancer that are tied to chronic or prolonged suntanning.

Dr. Holick has been attacked by the Sun Safety Alliance, which is funded in part by Coppertone and drug store chains. For publishing is book
A dozen major studies are under way to test vitamin D's ability to prevent cancer particularly prostate and lung cancer. A the belief that no sun exposure is good is beinging to fade, but until further research is conducted most dermatologist still suggest moderation.
USATODAY.com - Vitamin D reserach may have doctors prescribing sunshine