VITAMIN D SUPPLEMENTS MAY REDUCE RISK OF CANCER

The Study: Researchers analyzed 63 published studies on vitamin D and cancer risk. In a majority of the studies, high blood levels of vitamin D appeared to lower the risk of breast, colon, ovarian, and prostate cancers. The researchers noted that vitamin D is found in some foods (such as fortified milk) and that the body makes it when exposed to sunlight. However, people living in the northern half of the United States make virtually no vitamin D during winter months, and sunscreen prevents the body from making the vitamin. The researchers recommended daily supplements of 1,000 IU of vitamin D.

The Citation: Garland CF, et al. The role of vitamin D in cancer prevention. American Journal of Public Health, 2006; 96(2):252–61.

What It Means to You: More notable than the results is the dramatic change in attitudes toward vitamin D over the past couple of years. The vitamin was long shunned because of exaggerated fears of overdose. In recent years, studies have found that vitamin D can strengthen bones because of its role in calcium absorption. It can also improve muscle strength, thereby preventing falls in the elderly. In addition, vitamin D can reduce the risk of type-1 diabetes, reduce symptoms in type-2 diabetes, and benefit people with multiple sclerosis. It’s not a “miracle vitamin,” but rather it can have miraculous benefits in people who are deficient. And based on recent research, vitamin D deficiencies are common, especially during the winter and spring.

GASTRIC-REFLUX DRUGS REDUCE VITAMIN LEVELS

The Study: Researchers measured vitamin C blood levels in 29 patients before and after taking 40 mg of Prilosec (omeprazole) daily for 28 days. The patients had an average one-eighth decrease in their blood vitamin C levels. The researchers noted that lower gastric acidity reduced the bioavailability of vitamin C.

The Citation: Henry EB, Carswell A, Wirz A, et al. Proton pump inhibitors reduce the bioavailability of dietary vitamin C. Alimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics, 2005;22(6):539–45.

What It Means to You: Prilosec, Nexium, and other drugs used to treat heartburn and gastric reflux are among the most widely used medications in the US. The reduction in vitamin C absorption is especially serious, given that 48 percent of Americans do not obtain the Reference Dietary Intake (90 mg) for vitamin C. Acid-reducing medications also set the stage for atrophic gastritis (lack of stomach acid), which interferes with vitamin B12 absorption. Your better bet is to avoid foods that trigger heartburn and gastric reflux, but if you must take these drugs, also take a high-potency multivitamin supplement.