Friday, December 7, 2012

Vitamin D May Help Prevent Pancreatic Cancer

A new study shows a relationship between vitamin D intake and pancreatic cancer risk.The study appeared in Cancer Epidemiology Biomarkers and Prevention.It suggests that those with an adequate amount of vitamin D in their diets or supplements have a lower risk of developing pancreatic cancer.
The sixteen-year study surveyed more than 122,000 adults.Those who ingested 150-299 units of vitamin D a day had a 22% lower risk of getting pancreatic cancer than those who got less.People age 70 or younger should get 600 units a day;those over 70 should get 800 units,according to the Institute of Medicine.
A leading supplement for those 50+,Centrum Silver(R),has 500 units of vitamin D in it.
Among natural sources of vitamin D are oily fish such as salmon and tuna;eggs;fortified milk,orange juice and cereal;and at least 20 minutes of direct sunlight a day.The elderly may need to supplement these natural means of getting vitamin D in consultation with their physician.

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