Sunlight and Prostate Cancer
A clutch of papers from America and Finland published towards the end of 2004 point out that vitamin D deficiency increases the risk of prostate cancer.
There is very little vitamin D in a normal diet and most of this comes from fish. We make the majority of our vitamin D in the skin in response to the ultra-violet light in sunlight. Needless to say the inhabitants of northern countries do not receive the necessary 20 minutes daily full body exposure to sunlight. This explains why the incidence of prostate cancer increases the further north one looks. There is even a significantly greater incidence in Scotland compared to southern England.
| THE TIMES Sunlight and cancer Sir, There is now positive evidence that an important factor in the aetiology of prostate cancer is lack of vitamin D. Little vitamin D is derived from food; most is formed in the skin in response to ultra violet light. Experts recommend adequate vitamin D nutrition should be a priority for men of all ages. To achieve this, a daily exposure to sunlight of 20 minutes is required. It is unfortunate that this is not taken into consideration by Cancer Research UK in its SunSmart campaign (report and leading article, March 23). There may be 1,600 deaths annually from melanoma, but there are more than 10,000 deaths annually from prostate cancer. Yours faithfully |
Previously this very marked difference in the incidence of prostate cancer between northern and more southerly latitudes was put down to the greater fat content in northern diets.
Undoubtedly cholesterol does play some part in the genesis of prostate cancer, but the evidence now available as to the role of vitamin D is so powerful that it is proposed by some authorities that it should be used not only to prevent prostate cancer, but also to treat it.
The recommended dosage for vitamin D supplementation is between 1000 and 2000 iu daily. Unfortunately a suitable formulation is not available in the UK and so The WellMan Clinic is importing a pure 1000 iu preparation.
The cost is £24 for 180 capsules.