According to researchers, people who took vitamin D regularly were less likely to have had melanoma in the past or currently and were deemed by dermatologists to be less likely to develop melanoma in the future. The study was recently published in Melanoma Research.
To avoid skin cancer, Chon recommends getting your daily fill of vitamin D from foods and, if necessary, supplements. A handful of foods provide a large serving of this vitamin, including: Fish: One serving (about three ounces) of certain types of fish can give you a healthy dose of vitamin D.
Some studies suggest a protective role of vitamin D in melanoma, whereas results on the relationship between dietary intake of vitamin D and risk are controversial and there is inadequate evidence to suggest that vitamin D supplementation decreases the risk for melanoma.
They also concluded that taking 1,000 units of vitamin D a day could potentially reduce your risk of colon cancer by as much as 50%. Other studies have suggested that improving your vitamin D status would have the benefit of reducing colorectal cancer by about 25%–50%, depending on the study.
We found that people who have high levels of vitamin D in their blood, have an increased risk of two skin cancer types, namely basal cell carcinoma (the most common type of skin cancer) and melanoma (the most dangerous type of skin cancer).
children 1–13 years: 15 mcg (600 IU) teens 14–18 years: 15 mcg (600 IU) adults 19–70 years: 15 mcg (600 IU) adults 71 years and older: 20 mcg (800 IU)
Higher vitamin D levels have been consistently associated with reduced risks of colorectal cancer (12) and, to a lesser extent, bladder cancer (13). Studies have consistently shown no association between vitamin D levels and risk of breast, lung, and several other, less common cancers (14–17).
Vitamin D may decrease tumor invasiveness and propensity to metastasize, leading to reduced cancer mortality. Higher serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25[OH]D) levels at diagnosis have been linked to longer survival in cancer patients.
Antioxidant supplements such as co enzyme Q10, selenium and the vitamins A, C and E can help to prevent cell damage. But there is some evidence that taking high dose antioxidant supplements during cancer treatment might make the treatment less effective.
Individuals who regularly take vitamin D supplements are significantly less likely to have a history of malignant melanoma or any type of skin cancers than non-users, say Finnish investigators. They also found a trend for benefit with occasional use.
Rather than diet, skin cancer is mainly caused by UV rays from the sun, or tanning machines. They help to generate free radicals, unstable oxygen molecules which damage the DNA in skin cells, leading to mutations and skin cancer. A diet rich in antioxidants can help fight off free radicals, reducing damage.
Vitamins C, E and A, zinc, selenium, beta carotene (carotenoids), omega-3 fatty acids, lycopene and polyphenols are among the antioxidants many dermatologists recommend including in your diet to help prevent skin cancer.
Antioxidants and Melanoma
Studies show selenium-rich diets may also reduce risk for melanoma and support survivorship. Foods rich in this antioxidant include Brazil nuts, scallops, lobster, barley, oats, whole wheat, wheat germ and milk.
Some emerging evidence suggests that vitamin D can help with the symptoms of acne for those who have a vitamin D deficiency. Exposure to sunlight is a significant source of vitamin D. People might also get vitamin D from supplements or creams. People with vitamin D deficiencies are more susceptible to acne.
Interestingly, about 60% of Americans are deficient in magnesium, including up to 60% of patients who are critically ill. In regard to cancer, magnesium intake has been associated with the incidence of some cancers and has been studied as a protective agent against chemotherapy-induced nephrotoxicity and neurotoxicity.
Yes, getting too much vitamin D can be harmful. Very high levels of vitamin D in your blood (greater than 375 nmol/L or 150 ng/mL) can cause nausea, vomiting, muscle weakness, confusion, pain, loss of appetite, dehydration, excessive urination and thirst, and kidney stones.
There isn't enough good evidence to link low levels of vitamin D (vitamin D deficiency) to cancer. But vitamin D deficiency can cause other health conditions, including rickets in children and bone problems in adults. Vitamin D supplements are useful to prevent some health conditions.
Some side effects of taking too much vitamin D include weakness, dry mouth, nausea, vomiting, and others. Taking vitamin D for long periods of time in doses higher than 4000 IU (100 mcg) daily is possibly unsafe and may cause very high levels of calcium in the blood.
There are quite a few differences between vitamin D and vitamin D3, but the main difference between them is that vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that regulates calcium and phosphorous levels in the body, whereas the vitamin D3 is the natural form of vitamin D produced by the body from sunlight.
Immunotherapy is cancer treatment that enhances your immune system's ability to destroy melanoma cells and prevent their spread. These therapies are key in treating advanced melanoma to help prevent its spread — and even provide a cure, in some cases.
Still, doctors believe exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun and from tanning lamps and beds is the leading cause of melanoma.
UV exposure
There is a clear correlation between unprotected exposure to UV radiation and melanoma. UV rays from the sun and indoor tanning are a powerful attack on the skin and the primary risk factor for developing melanoma and other skin cancers.