Study finds taking Vit. D can halve risk of pancreatic cancer

[Cameron27]

Study finds it can halve risk of pancreatic cancer

By Mike Stobbe, Associated Press | September 15, 2006
ATLANTA -- Taking vitamin D cuts the risk of pancreatic cancer nearly in half, according to a new study that is being called the first to show such a benefit.

Vitamin D protects against colorectal and breast cancer, earlier studies have found. And lab and animal studies show it stifles abnormal cell growth and curbs formation of blood vessels that feed tumors. ``I've been converted from a skeptic about a role of vitamin D in preventing cancer to a believer that there's something there," said Dr. Len Lichtenfeld, deputy chief medical officer for the American Cancer Society.

Taking 450 international units (IUs) of vitamin D -- about the standard dose in most multivitamins -- reduced the risk of pancreatic cancer by 43 percent, according to researchers at Northwestern and Harvard universities who led the latest study.
There was no significant added benefit from taking more than that amount. But there was decreased benefit from taking less: Taking 150 to 300 IUs a day reduced the risk of pancreatic cancer by just 22 percent, the researchers found.

http://www.boston.com/news/nation/articles/2006/09/15/new_benefit_seen_in_vitamin_d/

[Maat]

1. Thanks! (n/t)

[Cameron27]

2. It does look impressive

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3. K&R (n/t)

[BeautifulLoser]

4. Thanks for the news

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5. A kick for Andy