|| Health News ||
Page 1 of 1

Study: Vitamin D protects against cancer

Health News 2007-02-08 Study: Vitamin D protects against cancer People with the highest levels of a form of vitamin D in their blood have the lowest risk of breast cancer, according to a study in


People with the highest levels of a form of vitamin D in their blood have the lowest risk of breast cancer, according to a study in the Journal of Steroid Biochemistry and MolecularBiology.

“And the breast cancer rates dropped as the blood levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D increased," study coauthor Cedric Garland said in a release. Garland went on to say that risk of breast cancer could be halved by taking 2,000 international units of vitamin D3 daily and spending 10 to 15 minutes a day in the sun.

A related study, published online by the American Journal of PreventiveMedicine, found the same form of vitamin D could prevent colorectal cancer. A daily intake of 2,000 IU of vitamin D3 reduces the incidence of the disease by two thirds, said coauthor Edward D. Gorham in the same release. "This would be best achieved with a combination of diet, supplements, and 10 to 15 minutes per day in the sun."

Vitamin D3 is available through diet, supplements and exposure of the skin to sunlight, or ultraviolet B. Researchers emphasized the importance of limiting sun exposure so the skin doesn’t tan or burn. Typical fair-skinned Caucasians who spend 10 to 15 minutes in the midday sun will photosynthesize adequate vitamin D. Darker-skinned individuals may require as much as 25 minutes. (The Advocate)

Click here to follow The Advocate on Twitter. Page 1 of 1



More Online Only
  • Commentary What Marriage in Maine Meant for Me

    Dana Hernandez is a straight white married mother of two young children. But in campaigning for No on 1 and reporting Election Night outcomes for Advocate.com, defeat hit her like a ton of bricks.

  • Marriage Equality Video Content Flag Terri White Stages Her Leather Encore

    Last year, acclaimed stage performer Terri White was homeless and living in a public park. On Sunday, she and her partner held a leather-themed commitment ceremony onstage following her triumphant Broadway turn in Finian’s Rainbow. 

  • Music Ghost Story

    Out singer-songwriter Brandi Carlile discusses working with her childhood mentor, coming out publicly, and joining next year's Lilith Fair.

  • News View From Washington: GOP Upheaval

    Now that the only pro-marriage equality candidate in New York's 23rd Congressional district, Republican Dede Scozzafava, has dropped out of the race, Tuesday's election holds any number of political lessons for both the GOP and the LGBT community.

  • Books Hot Sheet: Ditto Knocking 'Em Dead

    This week might not bring anything to the screen other than a Boondock Saints sequel, but there are plenty of reasons to sit at home on the couch or head to your local concert venue.

  • News Features Sailor Speaks Out

    Sailor Joseph Rocha endured years of hazing until he spoke out — then he was discharged for revealing his homosexuality. Nonetheless, the 23-year-old is itching to suit back up.

  • Music Rainbow High

    Busy Broadway heartthrob, gay rights activist, and former Advocate coverboy Cheyenne Jackson chats about his Finian’s Rainbow revival, his politically charged cabaret CD, and laying around in his underpants (pic on page five).

  • Television Another Tough Broad

    After being outed by a Nazi and locking lips with a hook-up three times in one episode, Christine Woods's tough-talking FBI agent Janis Hawk on ABC's FlashForward might just be prime time's best gay offering — who isn't in Glee club, that is.

  • Books Video Content Flag In Sickness and in Health

    Mary Cappello’s memoir Called Back takes readers on a white-knuckle journey through the experience of cancer treatment in America — especially disorienting to navigate as a woman and a lesbian.

  • Books An American Crime

    Best-selling novelist Patricia Cornwell made headlines last week when she filed suit against a New York investment firm for losing $40 million of her money. But she'd much rather talk about her new book, hate-crimes legislation, and Angelina Jolie.

  • Comedy Gilded Lily

    After conquering Broadway, movies, and television, out funny lady Lily Tomlin prepares for the final frontier — Las Vegas.

  • Entertainment News Ricky Martin, No Shirt and a Baby

    Ricky Martin knows how to get the camera's attention. Take a look at the many pictures of Ricky uploaded to his Twitter account in the past three months, always shirtless, frequently carrying one (or both) of his babies.

  • Television Fresh Blood

    With True Blood a bona-fide cultural phenomenon, producer Alan Ball offers tantalizing hints about what to expect on season 3.

Most Popular Stories