What are the health benefits of vitamin D supplementation?
Vitamin D deficiency has been linked to a number of health conditions including several forms of cancer. The risk of breast cancer, prostate cancer, and colon cancer is higher in individuals who are vitamin D deficient. Vitamin D deficiency is associated with a 30% to 50% increased risk of colon, prostate and breast cancer. This can probably be explained by the gene regulating effect of vitamin D. Vitamin D controls more than 200 genes, including genes which control cell proliferation, blood vessel development (angiogenesis), and programed cell death of deteriorating or cancerous cells (apoptosis). Individuals in the Women’s Health Initiative study with very low levels of vitamin D had a 253% increased risk of colon cancer over the follow-up period of 8 years. Vitamin D also plays a role in the immune function of the body. Decreased immunity and lowered resistance to influenza and other viruses may result from vitamin D deficiency. There is also a link between vitamin D deficiency and
