Vitamin D Day

On November 2nd each year, we celebrate Vitamin D day! 

Vitamin D can make a substantial difference in cancer prevention and survival outcomes, yet many Canadians have sub-optimal levels of vitamin D. This is even more prevalent during the winter months where there are fewer hours of sunlight. When the sun is at a low angle – the atmosphere filters out almost all UVB rays!

Vitamin D is an essential component of healthy living, and can easily be incorporated into everyone’s lifestyle. The benefits of vitamin D are substantial, and perhaps even

Important facts about Vitamin D

Dr. Hal Gunn, CEO and co-founder of InspireHealth, points out that a research study published in the Annals of Epidemiology in July 2009 suggests that more than 100,000 new cases of breast and colon cancer could be prevented every year in North America with the help of vitamin D, and that deaths from these cancers could be cut by 75 percent.

• Evidence shows that, in addition to its cancer fighting properties, vitamin D supplementation may reduce the risk of some common chronic diseases, including heart disease, diabetes, and even the flu. Vitamin D helps boost the immune system and is essential for the absorption of calcium, which builds and maintains bone strength. It is obtained mainly from exposure to the sun or artificial sources of ultraviolet light, and is present in a few foods, including fish with high oil content such as salmon, mackerel, and tuna.
•  
• The Vancouver region’s lack of sunshine due to rainy weather between October and March means residents are particularly susceptible to vitamin D deficiency and would be wise to supplement their intake, as recommended by Dr. Gunn.

High-dose Vitamin D Supplementation in Colorectal Cancer Patient 

InspireHealth is running a clinical trial research project to study the safety and the therapeutic effect of high-dose vitamin D supplementation in stage 4 (metastatic) colorectal cancer patients. Although there is a large body of scientific evidence that demonstrates the importance of vitamin D in cancer prevention, there are few randomized controlled trials (gold standard of scientific studies) on vitamin D in cancer treatment.