Vitamin D Therapy Halts Cancer Growth and Supports Immune Function

An excellent summary of the research supporting the use of Vitamin D3 therapyas a treatment for specific cancers and for compromised immune function was recently released by the Orthomolecular Medicine Society. I am including the report in full below.  Take note of the historical use of this simple, inexpensive nutrient and of the recent research also supporting its use.  Sometimes the simple treatments are the most profound. I test the blood for Vitamin D3 levels and almost always find low levels associated with cancer and chronic fatigue syndrome.  In general I recommend 3,000 IU of Vitamin D3 per day to support optimal immune function. Exposure to sunshine every day is one of the best ways to keep your vitamin D levels in a healthyrange however, practicing in Laguna Beach, CAwhere there are more sunny days than not, I still find that the majority of my patients are deficient in this nutrient/hormone, even those that are outside for at least 30 minutes per day.

In health,

-Dr. G

Vitamin D Stops Cancer; Cuts Risk In Half American Cancer Society Drags its Feet

(OMNS, October 2, 2008) A new study of 3,299 persons has shown that those with higher levels of vitamin D cut their risk of dying from cancer in half. (1) Another recent study shows that ample intake of vitamin D, about 2,000 IU per day, can cut breast cancer incidence by half. (2) Still more research found that inadequate Vitamin D is “associated with high incidence rates of colorectal cancer” and specifically urges that “prompt public health action is needed to increase intake of Vitamin D-3 to 1000 IU/day.” (3)

Vitamin D’s anticancer properties are so evident, and so important, that the Canadian Cancer Society now recommends supplementation with 1,000 IU of Vitamin D per day for all adults in winter, and year-round for persons at risk. (4)

The American Cancer Society, however, is dragging its feet, still maintaining that “More research is needed to define the best levels of intake and blood levels of vitamin D for cancer risk reduction.” (5)

What is taking them so long?

Researchers in 2006 noted that “The evidence suggests that efforts to improve vitamin D status, for example by vitamin D supplementation, could reduce cancer incidence and mortality at low cost, with few or no adverse effects.” (6)

If you search the US National Institutes of Health’s Medline online database for “cancer vitamin D,” you will find over five thousand papers. . . some dating back nearly 60 years.

It’s true: physician reports on vitamin D stopping cancer have been ignored for decades. In 1951, T. Desmonts reported that vitamin D treatment was effective against Hodgkin’s disease (a cancer of the lymphatic system). (7) That same year, 57 years ago, massive doses of vitamin D were also observed to improve epithelioma. ( In 1955, skin cancer was again reported as cured with vitamin D treatment. (9) In 1963, there was a promising investigation done on vitamin D and breast cancer. (10) Then, in 1964, vitamin D was found to be effective against lymph nodal reticulosarcoma, a non-Hodgkin’s lymphatic cancer. (11)

The American Cancer Society has been obsessed with finding a drug cure for cancer. Pharmaceutical researchers are not looking for a vitamin cure. And when one is presented, as independent investigators and physicians have continuously been doing since 1951, it is ignored.

No longer. Michael Holick, MD, Boston University Professor of Medicine, has come right out and said it: “We can reduce cancer risk by 30 to 50% by increasing vitamin D. We gave mice colon cancer, and followed them for 20 days. Tumor growth was markedly reduced simply by having vitamin D in the diet. There was a 40% reduction in tumor size. And, casual sun exposure actually decreases your risk of melanoma. Everyone needs 1,000 IU of vitamin D3 each day.” (12)

What about safety? Yes, it is possible to get too much vitamin D, but it is not easy. “One man took one million IU of vitamin D per day, orally, for six months, “says Dr Holick. “Of course, he had the symptoms of severe vitamin D intoxication. His treatment was hydration (lots of water), and no more vitamin D or sunshine for a while. He’s perfectly happy and healthy. This was published in the New England Journal of Medicine.(13) I have no experience of anyone dying from vitamin exposure. In thirty years, I’ve never seen it.”

There are, of course, some reasonable cautions with its use. Persons with hyperparathyroidism, lymphoma, lupus erythematosus, tuberculosis, sarcoidosis, kidney disease, or those taking digitalis, calcium channel-blockers, or thiazide diuretics, should have physician supervision before and while taking extra vitamin D. And when employing large doses of vitamin D, periodic testing is advisable.

But 1,000 IU per day of vitamin D is simple and safe. Some authorities recommend much more. (14, 15) The American Cancer Society recommends less.

What a shame.

References:

(1) Pilz S, Dobnig H, Winklhofer-Roob B et al. Low serum levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D predict fatal cancer in patients referred to coronary angiography. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev. 2008 May;17(5):1228-33. Epub 2008 May 7.

(2) Garland CF, Gorham ED, Mohr SB et al. Vitamin D and prevention of breast cancer: pooled analysis. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol, 2007. Mar;103(3-5):708-11.

(3) Gorham ED, Garland CF, Garland FC, Grant WB, Mohr SB, Lipkin M, Newmark HL, Giovannucci E, Wei M, Holick MF. Vitamin D and prevention of colorectal cancer. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol. 2005 Oct;97(1-2):179-94.

(4) http://www.cancer.ca/Canada-wide/About%20us/Media%20centre/CW-Media%20releases/CW-2007/Canadian%20Cancer%20Society%20Announces%20Vitamin%20D%20Recommendation.aspx?sc_lang=en

(5) http://www.cancer.org/docroot/PED/content/PED_3_2X_Diet_and_Activity_Factors_That_Affect_Risks.aspAccessed Aug 29, 2008.

(6) Garland CF, Garland FC, Gorham ED, Lipkin M, Newmark H, Mohr SB, Holick MF. The role of vitamin D in cancer prevention. Am J Public Health. 2006 Feb;96(2):252-61.

(7) Desmonts T, Duclos M, Dalmau. [Favorable effect of vitamin D on the evolution of a case of Hodgkin's disease.] Sang. 1951;22(1):74-5. And: DESMONTS T. [Favorable action of vitamin D in leukemic erythroderma and Hodgkin's disease.] Pathol Gen. 1951 Mar;51(326):161-4. Also: VACCARI R. [Vitamin D2 and experimental carcinogenesis.] Boll Soc Ital Biol Sper. 1952 Aug-Oct;28(8-10):1567-9.

( Sainz de Aja Ea. [Case of an epithelioma in a patient treated with massive doses of vitamin D.] Actas Dermosifiliogr. 1951 Nov;43(2):169-70.

(9) Linser P. [Spontaneous cure of skin carcinoma by vitamin D treatment.] Dermatol Wochenschr. 1955;132(40):1072-3. German.

(10) Gordan GS, Schachter D. Vitamin D activity of normal and neoplastic human breast tissue. Proc Soc Exp Biol Med. 1963 Jul;113:760-1.

(11) Desmonts T, Blin J. [Action of Vitamin D3 on the course of a lymph nodal reticulosarcoma.] Rev Pathol Gen Physiol Clin. 1964 Mar;64:137. French.

(12) Andrew W. Saul Interviews Michael F. Holick, MD, PhD. http://www.doctoryourself.com/holick.html

(13) Koutkia P, Chen TC, Holick MF. Vitamin D intoxication associated with an over-the-counter supplement. N Engl J Med. 2001 Jul 5;345(1):66-7.

(14) Vitamin D Boosts Health, Cuts Cancer Risk in Half. Orthomolecular Medicine News Service, October 3, 2007. http://orthomolecular.org/resources/omns/v03n06.shtml

(15) Doctors Say, Raise the RDAs Now. Orthomolecular Medicine News Service, October 30, 2007. http://orthomolecular.org/resources/omns/v03n10.shtml

For more information:

Saul AW. Vitamin D: Deficiency, diversity and dosage. J Orthomolecular Med, 2003. Vol 18, No 3 and 4, p 194-204. http://www.doctoryourself.com/dvitamin.htm

Online access to free archive of nutritionalmedicine journal papers: http://orthomolecular.org/library/jom/

A free, non-commercial vitamin D newsletter is available from John Cannell, M.D., and the Vitamin D Council: http://www.vitamindcouncil.org

Sunlight, Nutrition And Health Research Center: http://www.sunarc.org

Nutritional Medicine is Orthomolecular Medicine

Orthomolecular medicine uses safe, effective nutritional therapy to fight illness. For more information: http://www.orthomolecular.org

The peer-reviewed OrthomolecularMedicine News Service is a non-profit and non-commercial informational resource.

Editorial Review Board:

Damien Downing, M.D.
Harold D. Foster, Ph.D.
Steve Hickey, Ph.D.
Abram Hoffer, M.D., Ph.D.
James A. Jackson, PhD
Bo H. Jonsson, MD, Ph.D
Thomas Levy, M.D., J.D.
Erik Paterson, M.D.
Gert E. Shuitemaker, Ph.D.

Andrew W. Saul, Ph.D., Editor and contact person. Email: omns@orthomolecular.org

© Dr Gina Nic

 

Comments

[Maria Elizabeth Mendes Gomes da Silva]

Maravilhoso!!!
Gostaria de saber qual a proporção de folhas de graviola para litros de agua.
Desde já agradeço.
Abraços
Maria Elizabeth Mendes Gomes da Silva

[Helen Dixon]

Please tell me if Vitamin D will help LGL leukemia with ver low platlets, 22000.

[Franciza Toledo]

I am interested in learning more about tea of graviola leaves and the cure of breast cancer. I heard about your research but could not go into it from this site. I thank you in advance.

[colon cancer help]

i did not know that vitamin d helped with cancer. This is so good to know.

[Generic Viagra]

Hello great information about cancer this information will help many peoples

[Viagra Online]

Hello fellas 1 comment The American Cancer Society has been obsessed with finding a drug cure for cancer. Pharmaceutical researchers are not looking for a vitamin cure. And when one is presented, as independent investigators and physicians have continuously been doing since 1951, it is ignored.
John B. Barnhart

[Erectile Dysfunction Cause]

hi Vitamin D’s anticancer properties are so evident, and so important, that the Canadian Cancer Society now recommends supplementation with 1,000

[Marilyn Hoffman Fuss]

I started ingesting 1000 mgs. of vitamin D about a year ago. I've just noticed that the two facial moles I've had for years and years have decreased in size. I had no idea that vit. D might be efficacious in riding my skin of unwanted, benign lesions, but when I noticed the changes in my moles, I immediately thought of D. I am continuing the D, and will be monitoring my moles.

[Elliot Feldman]

For one thing I doubt the American Cancer Society is obsessed with finding a pharmaceutical cure for cancer and ignoring vitamins. I would say they are not looking for a cure at all. A 'cure' would ruin a perfectly running multi-billion dollar business. But they are ignoring and will try to defeat any encroachment on their territory (meaning supplements).

The only substances that will be looked at in the war on cancer, are those that can bring in a profit. And that is because the medical industry is a for profit industry that answers to its stockholders.

There is great confusion among people in that they think the pharmaceutical industry is actually looking for a cure. That is why we continually see these "begathons" where money is raised for the pharmaceutical industry. Incredibly the industry is the most profitable industry in history.

[Top Affiliate Programs]

Vitamin D is a group of fat-soluble prohormones, the two major forms of which are vitamin D2 (or ergocalciferol) and vitamin D3 (or cholecalciferol). Vitamin D obtained from sun exposure, food, and supplements, is biologically inert and must undergo two hydroxylation reactions to be activated in the body. Calcitriol (1,25-Dihydroxycholecalciferol) is the active form of vitamin D found in the body. The term vitamin D also refers to these metabolites and other analogues of these substances and if not eaten can cause Impotence Treatments

[LUIZA AMORIM]

I HAD THE SAME DOUBTS ABOUT PREPARATION OF GRAVIOLA LEAVES TEA. ARE THERE ANY CHANCES THIS TEA WILL ALSO HELP COLORECTAL, LIVER AND LUNG CANCER PATIENTS? THANKS.

[Celeste Abuchacra]

Please,

Tell me how we can make the tea .
I saw the same question in this page, but I did't see the answer.

Tanks,

Celeste

[Carlos Cunha]

I am interested in learning more about tea of graviola leaves and the cure of breast cancer

Thanks

Carlos

[Levi Lemos \lopes Filho]

Minha cunhada tem hepatite C em estágio bem avançado e gostaria de saber se a graviola tem efeitos terapêuticos para estes casos.. A graviola pode ajudar??

[CARMONSTER]

Two of my friends have died and two of my friends have lived. The two that lived did the same thing. They followed the approach outlined in this eBook http://yourcancerplaybook.megabyet.net/

[Juliana]

I am interested in learning more about tea of graviola leaves and the cure of breast cancer. I heard about your research but could not go into it from this site.

[generic propecia]

i like this part of the post:"In general I recommend 3,000 IU of Vitamin D3 per day to support optimal immune function." is very good

[Calms Forte]

Hyland's Calms Forte provides 100% all-natural, temporary symptomatic relief of simple nervous tension and insomnia (sleeplessness). Hyland's Calms Forte works without contraindications or side effects. No drug hangover, no sedatives, just nature's answer to a good night's sleep.

[Roque]

MUITO BOAS TODAS AS INFORMAÇÕES PRECISAS, SE POSSIVEIS!!!
Como preparo o chá da graviola para combate ou prevenção ao câncer, quero saber também em relação a medidas de água, folhas e ou existem mais alguns itens nas misturas?
Deixando um e-mail para que alguém possa me enviar a resposta.
Rock Vall
Desde já agradeço a informação tão esperada.

[Bernardo B.]

Dear Sirs,
Do you have any evident facts about Vit D3 and Prostate Cancer?
A lot of thanks for your sincere answers.
Bernardo

[Gilberto July 22, 2010 at 07:20 AM]

Srs,

Espetacular a noticia e a pesquisa, gostaria de receber informações das medidas para se preparar o chá da folha de graviola, desde já agradeço e fica meu e-mail para recebimento da resposta.
gilberto.marre@gmail.com

[José Gomes Brandão]

Por favor, gostaria de saber quantas folhas de graviola para 200 ml de chá.
Foi detectado em meu pai, câncer de bexiga em grau 1 (G1) e, se possível, falem-me sobre a atuação do chá neste caso.
Obrigado.

[Ricardo Mesquita]

please i need information about how to prepare the tea with the graviola's leaves. thanks

[Adriana Wehr]

Gostaria de saber a quantidade de folhas de graviola pra cada litro de água!! Por favor, me respondam pra que eu possa passar pra minha amiga!!!!

[generic viagra online]

A vitamina D promove o crescimento ósseo, permitindo que o cálcio para viajar através das membranas celulares e atingir os ossos. Também controla o cálcio nos ossos e ajuda o organismo absorver o ferro, magnésio e zinco. A vitamina D é importante para ossos fortes, dentes e sistema imunitário. A American Cancer Society foi obcecado por encontrar uma cura para o câncer da droga.