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03/22/2004 |
UVB / Vitamin D Breast Cancer Risk Reduction - 2004 |
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Abstract Breast cancer strikes over 200,000 women per year in the U.S. Diet and lifestyle account for most of the population risk for breast cancer. Using a model that compared many countries in terms of breast cancer mortality and dietary intakes, it was found that countries with the highest consumption of animal products and alcohol and the lowest consumption of fish had five times the risk of breast cancer compared to those countries with intakes at the other ends of the spectrum. While a proper diet and exercise can reduce the risk of breast cancer, an additional way to reduce the risk is to get plenty of vitamin D. A recent analysis of the geographic variation of breast cancer mortality rates in the U.S. shows the highest rates in the northeast and urban areas, and lowest rates in the south and rural areas. According to this analysis, breast cancer risk could be cut in half by sufficient vitamin D levels. Dietary sources of vitamin D are insufficient to supply enough vitamin D to be effective in reducing the risk of colon cancer. Thus, one should try to get adequate vitamin D from the Sun, artificial UVB exposure, or supplements. It is the goal of this essay to present a summary of the latest information on the risk and risk reduction factors for breast cancer so that readers can make changes to reduce their risk of developing this disease. However, the reader is advised to do more study before changing diet and/or lifestyle based on what is presented here. |
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03/24/2004 |
UVB / Vitamin D and Colorectal Cancer Essay- 2004 |
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Abstract Colorectal cancer (colon and rectal cancer combined) is the third most frequent cancer in the U.S., with at least 120,00 new cases diagnosed per year. Dietary factors appear to play the most important role in the risk of colorectal cancer. Animal products and obesity are important risk factors, while vegetable products, other than sweeteners, and low body mass index (BMI) are important risk reduction factors. In addition, vitamin D, generally from solar ultraviolet-B (UVB) radiation, is a very important risk reduction factor, and explains why colorectal cancer mortality in the U.S. is two times higher in the northeast than in the southwest. The latest results from the literature regarding risk and risk reduction factors for colorectal cancer are reviewed in this essay. |
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03/09/2004 |
A brief introduction to the role of vitamin D in reducing the risk of chronic disease |
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Abstract Evidence continues to mount at an accelerating rate that vitamin D is a very important risk reduction factor for a variety of diseases, not only those associated with bone health, but also those associated with internal organs, brain development while still in the womb or in infancy, and the autoimmune diseases, and even for defense against tuberculosis. A search of PubMed (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/) was used to find the evidence relating to the beneficial role of vitamin D in maintaining optimal health. This essay briefly summarizes the types of evidence that researchers examine in trying to reach a determination regarding the possible role of vitamin D for any given disease. The accompanying table indicates which types of evidence have been found for each chronic disease, other than the common bone diseases, for which it is accepted that vitamin D plays an important role. Since ultraviolet-B (UVB) radiation (290-315 nm) is the most important source of vitamin D for most Americans, much of the work has been done with respect to solar UVB irradiance. The status of the role of UVB and vitamin D with respect to individual diseases will be presented in separate essays. |
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03/09/2004 |
The role of ultraviolet-B (UVB) radiation (290-315 nm) and vitamin D in reducing the risk of cancer |
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Abstract Cancer is group of chronic diseases for which the protective role of UVB and vitamin D is fairly well established. The most recent study found that UVB radiation was inversely correlated with 16 types of cancer for white Americans, primarily epithelial cancers of the digestive and reproductive systems [Grant, submitted]. Six types of cancer (breast, colon, endometrial, esophageal, ovarian, and NHL) were inversely correlated to both incident solar UVB irradiance and rural residence. Another 10 types of cancer (bladder, gallbladder, gastric, pancreatic, prostate, rectal, renal, testicular, and vulvar cancer and NHL) were inversely correlated with UVB radiation but not rural residence. Ten types of cancer were significantly correlated with lung cancer mortality rates, in excellent agreement with the literature on the risk for cancer from smoking [147], 6 types with alcohol consumption, again with excellent agreement with the literature [Grant, submitted], and 7 types with Hispanic heritage. Three types of cancer had been linked to Hispanic heritage [144]. Since the results for alcohol, Hispanic heritage, and smoking agree well with the literature, they provide a high level of confidence in the approach and its results for UVB irradiance and degree of urbanization, and, thus, the protective role of vitamin D. A review of the literature on vitamin D and colorectal cancer concluded that dietary vitamin D is insufficient in and by itself to have a significant impact on the risk of colorectal cancer [19]. Thus, in addition to diet, exercise, and lifestyle, one can reduce one's risk of cancer considerably by obtaining adequate amounts of vitamin D, from natural and artificial UVB, supplements, and diet. In obtaining vitamin D from UVB, the amount of exposure is far less than that which is generally associated with skin cancer: the important things to do are get regular, moderate amounts of UVB and avoid any reddening of the skin or sunburning. |
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03/10/2004
UPDATED
05/05/2004 |
Ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation and vitamin D are important risk reduction factors for multiple sclerosis |
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Abstract A review of the literature shows that a number of environmental factors are involved in the etiology of multiple sclerosis (MS). One finding that has been known since the early 20th century is that there is a latitudinal dependence of MS prevalence, with MS prevalence increasing very strongly with increasing latitude. This has been linked primarily to solar UVB through the production of vitamin D, and, to a lesser extent, increased consumption of dietary fat with latitude. In addition, viral infections have been found associated with development of MS. The mechanisms whereby vitamin D reduces the risk of MS are now fairly well understood. Both dietary changes and UVB/vitamin D therapy appear to be useful in treating MS. It is estimated that if all Americans had the UVB/vitamin D status of those living in southern U.S. states, the numbers of those with MS in the U.S. would be 200,000, rather than 400,000. |
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3/30/2004
UPDATED
06/04/2004 |
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Abstract Alzheimer's disease (AD), first described in 1906 by German psychiatrist Alois Alzheimer, is a progressive brain disorder that causes a gradual and irreversible decline in memory, language skills, perception of time and space, emotional stability, pattern recognition, coordination, and, eventually, the ability to care for oneself. AD is associated with abnormal changes in the brain involving plaques, tangles, beta-amyloid protein, and free radicals.
The risk factors for AD include both genetic and environmental factors. The primary genetic risk factor is the presence of the apolipoprotein E epsilon4 (APOE e4) allele, which is more common among Africans, Inuits, AmerIndians, and northern Europeans than southern Europeans and Asians. This allele can be considered a "thrifty gene," one that helps store excess energy as fat, which is a survival factor for hunter-gatherer peoples. The primary dietary risk factors are total energy and some types of fat, while the primary risk reduction factors are cereals or grains and fish and some types of fat. Among fats, the good ones are linoleic acid (found in safflower, sunflower, hemp, soybean, walnut, pumpkin, sesame, and flax seed oil), alpha-linolenic acid (found in fish, canola, flax, hemp seed, soy bean, and walnut oil and dark green leaves), and olive oil, while the bad ones are saturated fats (found in solid fats such as butter and cheese) and trans-fatty acids (found in many processed foods and labeled as partially-hydrogenated vegetable oils). Also, extra virgin olive oil, with its strong antioxidant properties, is a good choice. Antioxidant vitamins C and E, as well as flavonoids, found in fruits and vegetables, and resveratrol, found in red wine, play a protective role. Obesity, smoking, cholesterol, and homocysteine are also risk factors, while exercise reduces the risk. Thus, even if one has a genetic predisposition for AD, there are many ways that one can reduce the risk.
For those who want to reduce their risk of AD, the most important thing appears to be to maintain a low body mass index by eating a diet low in total energy, low in bad fats, adequate in good fats, high in fruits, vegetables, and antioxidants, and moderate-to-high in cereals and grains, with whole grains preferred. Added sugars should also be avoided since they lead to obesity. The traditional diets in Southeast Asia and the Mediterranean provide examples of good diets. Adequate folate consumption, perhaps via supplements, should also be included. In addition, antioxidant and folate supplements would be beneficial. Finally, keeping both the mind and body active, are very helpful. |
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04/20/2004 |
Allium family vegetables (garlic, leeks, onions, scallions) reduce the risk of cancer (and cardiovascular disease) |
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When dietary factors explain 30-50% of the risk for cancer [Doll and Peto, 1981; Grant, 2002a, 2004], and when the approach of the health care system in the U.S. and other Western Developed countries has been to place more emphasis on secondary prevention (examinations and prescription drugs) and tertiary prevention (surgical operations) rather than on primary prevention through diet and lifestyle choices, it is worthwhile to identify simple dietary and lifestyle choices that offer significant risk reductions for many types of cancer. Vitamin D, obtained though ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation, dietary sources, or supplements, is one such risk reduction factor [Grant, 2002b]. A dietary factor gaining increased prominence in this regard is allium family vegetables - onions, garlic, leeks and scallions. This essay will review the epidemiologic evidence and the mechanisms and suggest a dietary amount effective for cancer risk reduction. |
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06/10/2004 |
Ultraviolet radiation and dietary links to melanoma; or why one should not be dissuaded from enjoying the Sun for optimal health |
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It has been frequently reported that those who are regularly exposed to ultraviolet radiation (UVR) due to their occupation have a reduced risk of developing melanoma [Garland et al., 1990; Kennedy et al., 2004]. The reasons appear to be twofold: 1 - they develop a tan that blocks the penetration of UVR so it can't produce the free radicals that can lead to melanoma; and 2 - they produce lots of vitamin D. Both links have just been demonstrated in an excellent study by investigators studying 497 people with melanoma in and around Philadelphia and San Francisco [Millen et al., 2004]. Dietary habits over the previous year were compiled for these people (cases) as well as 561 people of similar status but without melanoma (controls). The results indicate that among macronutrients, carbohydrates and protein are protective, while fat is a risk factor. In addition, alcohol was an important risk factor. Smoking status was not studied, but may well be a risk factor. |
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08/13/2004 |
Cheaper alternative to liver transplants |
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The posting of this press release at MedicalNewsToday on 12 August 2004 10,000th liver transplant performed in the UK James Watson, 54, has made history as the 10,000th patient to receive a liver transplant to be registered on the UK Transplant Database. http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/medicalnews.php?newsid=11972 brought to mind several things. First, there is a cheaper alternative, namely, treatment of the diseased liver with alpha lipoic acid, a strong antioxidant. There is an American M.D. who, while working at a hospital in Pennsylvania, treated a person suffering from mushroom poisoning with massive injections of alpha lipoic acid. This is a $3,000 procedure, rather than the very expensive liver transplant. His hospital administration considered firing him, but the National Institutes of Health learned about his work and sent a person to investigate, so the administration backed off. When he did it a second time, they did fire him. He went to a hospital in the south and did it again, and, I think, lost his job again. |
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09/14/2004 |
The New Method of UV Dosimetry Based on an IN VITRO Model of Previtamin D Photoynthesis |
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Irina P. Terenetskaya
Institute of Physics, National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine
252022 Kiev-22, Ukraine
e-mail: teren@iop.kiev.ua
Abstract. A new method of biological dosimetry of UVB radiation based on an in vitro model of previtamin D photosynthesis is presented. The important role of vitamin D synthesis upon UV solar radiation is briefly reviewed. Distinctive features and extended capabilities of the method are discussed in detail with reference to the results of laboratory and field tests. |
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09/14/2004 |
Vitamin D, Calcium and Prevention of Breast Cancer: A Review |
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Martin Lipkin, MD and Harold L. Newmark, DSc
Weill Medical College of Cornell University, Strang Cancer Research Laboratory at The Rockefeller University, New York (M.L.)
Rutgers University, New Jersey (H.L.N.)
Abstract: Several recent epidemiologic and experimental studies have suggested that decreased calcium and vitamin D intake and high dietary fat are associated with mammary gland carcinogenesis. Complete reduction or elimination of human exposure to environmental factors such as high-fat diets is inherently difficult to implement. Recent studies have begun to evaluate a possible role for increased dietary calcium and vitamin D in reducing the risk of colonic and mammary cancers, even in the presence of a high-fat diet. Studies from our laboratory recently found that decreased dietary calcium and vitamin D in a high-fat diet induced adverse changes in the mammary gland and several other organs, which were reversed by increasing dietary calcium and vitamin D; the findings further suggest a possible role for increased dietary calcium and vitamin D in the chemoprevention of these cancers. |
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09/14/2004 |
D-vitamin: gamle paradokser og nye perspektiver |
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1. reservelæge Henning Glerup & overlæge Erik Fink Eriksen
Århus Universitetshospital, Århus Kommunehospital,
Medicinsk-gastroenterologisk Afdeling V, og
Århus Universitetshospital, Århus Amtssygehus, Medicinsk
Endokrinologisk Afdeling C
Resumé: D-vitamin spiller en central rolle i sikring af normalt niveau af serumcalcium. Den centrale regulering sker ved nyrernes hydroxylering af 25(OH)D 3 til calcitriol (1,25(OH) 2 D 3 ). 1,25(OH) 2 D 3 har i en årrække været anset for at være den eneste betydende mediator af D-vitamins regulering af calciumhomøostasen. Kliniske mål for hypovitaminosis D har dog altid vist sig at korrelere til 25(OH)D 3 og ikke til 1,25(OH) 2 D 3 . Dette paradoks har hidtil været uforklaret. Nye forskningsresultater har vist, at forskellige celletyper har kapacitet for intracellulær 1,25(OH) 2 D 3 -syntese ud fra 25(OH)D 3 . Den lokale intracellulære 1,25(OH) 2 D 3 -syntese er substratafhængig af 25(OH)D 3 , hvilket giver en plausibel forklaring på paradokset. Den lokale 1,25(OH) 2 D 3 -syntese synes at have betydning for risikoen for udvikling af en række cancerformer (f.eks. prostata-, colon- og mammacancer). Ud fra hidtidige forskningsresultater argumenteres der for, at S-25(OH)D 3 i cancerprofylaktisk øjemed bør holdes over 50 nmol/l. |
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03/15/2005 |
Vitamin D and the Elderly |
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Summary
This review summarizes current knowledge on vitamin D status in the elderly with special attention to definition and prevalence of vitamin D insufficiency and deficiency, relationships between vitamin D status and various diseases common in the elderly, and the effects of intervention with vitamin D or vitamin D and calcium. Individual vitamin D status is usually estimated by measuring plasma 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) levels. However, reference values from normal populations are not applicable for the definition of vitamin D insufficiency or deficiency. Instead vitamin D insufficiency is defined as the lowest threshold value for plasma 25OHD (around 50 nmol/l) that prevents secondary hyperparathyroidism, increased bone turnover, bone mineral loss, or seasonal variations in plasma PTH. Vitamin D deficiency is defined as values below 25 nmol/l. Using these definitions vitamin D deficiency is common among community-dwelling elderly in the developed countries at higher latitudes and very common among institutionalized elderly, geriatric patients and patients with hip fractures. Vitamin D deficiency is an established risk factor for osteoporosis, falls and fractures. Clinical trials have demonstrated that 800 IU (20 µg) per day of vitamin D in combination with 1200 mg calcium effectively reduces the risk of falls and fractures in institutionalized patients. Furthermore, 400 IU (10 µg) per day in combination with 1000 mg calcium or 100 000 IU orally every fourth month without calcium reduces fracture risk in individuals over 65 years of age living at home. Yearly injections of vitamin D seem to have no effect on fracture risk probably because of reduced bioavailability. Simulation studies suggest that fortification of food cannot provide sufficient vitamin D to the elderly without exceeding present conventional safety levels for children. A combination of fortification and individual supplementation is proposed. It is argued that all official programs should be evaluated scientifically. Epidemiological studies suggest that vitamin D insufficiency is related to a number of other disorders frequently observed among the elderly, such as breast, prostate and colon cancers, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disorders including hypertension. However, apart from hypertension, causality has not been established through randomized intervention studies. It seems that 800 IU (20 µg) vitamin D per day in combination with calcium reduces systolic blood pressure in elderly women. |
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07/25/2005 |
Benefits and requirements of vitamin D for optimal health: a review. |
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Summary
Vitamin D sufficiency is required for optimal health. The conditions with strong evidence for a protective effect of vitamin D include several bone diseases, muscle weakness, more than a dozen types of internal cancers, multiple sclerosis, and type 1 diabetes mellitus. There is also weaker evidence for several other diseases and conditions. There are good reasons that vitamin D sufficiency be maintained during all stages of life, from fetal development to old age. Adequate calcium intake is also recommended. The current vitamin D requirements in the United States are based on protection against bone diseases. These guidelines are being revised upward in light of new findings, especially for soft-tissue health. The consensus of scientific understanding appears to be that vitamin D deficiency is reached for serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) levels less than 20 ng/mL (50 nmol/L), insufficiency in the range from 20-32 ng/mL, and sufficiency in the range from 33-80 ng/mL, with normal in sunny countries 54-90 ng/mL, and excess greater than 100 ng/mL. Solar ultraviolet-B (UVB) irradiation is the primary source of vitamin D for most people. In general, the health benefits accruing from moderate UV irradiation, without erythema or excess tanning, greatly outweigh the health risks, with skin pigmentation (melanin) providing much of the protection. In the absence of adequate solar UVB irradiation due to season, latitude, or lifestyle, vitamin D can be obtained from fortified food, oily fish, vitamin D supplements, and artificial sources of UVB radiation.
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