Yet more evidence that vitamin D is crucial to health comes again from the EPIC study. Out of some 520,000 subjects enrolled from 10 European countries, 1248 later developed colorectal cancer. These were matched with 1248 healthy controls and comparisons made.

It was very evident that individuals with higher blood levels of vitamin D had significantly lower risk of colon (but not rectal) cancer. Those in the highest 20% for blood vitamin D level had 40% less risk of having colon cancer than those with a vitamin D level in the lowest 20%. A higher intake of calcium was also beneficial.

These findings were not related to season of year or gender. (Vitamin D is mainly produced by the skin during sun exposure.)

This study is important for New Zealanders because this country has one of the highest rates of colon cancer in the world. Recent studies have also shown that, despite our sunny climate, vitamin D levels of New Zealanders are often below normal, which may be due in some cases to people avoiding sun exposure to reduce the risks of skin cancer or skin ageing.

Source: Jenab M, et al. Br Med J 2010 Jan 21; 340: b5500. doi: 10.1136/bmj.b5500.

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Originally posted in March 2010. everybody Nutrition News items are selected from a wide range of journals, bulletins and nutrition information sources worldwide and summarised by Professor John Birkbeck, Institute of Food Nutrition and Human Health, Massey University. The opinions contained herein are those of the author and not necessarily those of the publisher or sponsor. Copyright UBM Medica (NZ) Ltd.