Thursday, May 1, 2014

Less Vitamin D Causes Increased Risk of Prostate Cancer

Northwestern University study conducted in the U.S. showed men who are deficient in vitamin D are at greater risk of aggressive prostate cancer .

" Vitamin D deficiency may be a biomarker ( marker ) prostate tumor progression , " said Dr. Adam Murphy , researchers from Northwestern University who led the study.

The study was conducted on 600 men from Chicago who has prostate cancer risk factors , such as elevated levels of Prostate Specific Antigen ( PSA ) or the presence of families affected by the disease .

Each man underwent vitamin D before their prostate samples analyzed . Biopsy samples showed a lack of vitamin D is associated aggressive prostate cancer .

According to Dr. Murphy , research shows American men of European descent are three times more at risk of developing aggressive prostate cancer if they are deficient in vitamin D. While African men are four times more at risk .

" It still needs further research , but it would be wise if the man does his anticipation by checking whether or not vitamin D deficient . And if you have a shortage of vitamin D , they better get it," he said .

Lack of vitamin D , he said , is more common in people with darker complexions .

" Our findings suggest that vitamin D deficiency is a major cause of prostate cancer in dark-skinned people , in this case African - Americans , " he said .

Therefore , he suggested that the men examined vitamin D levels in their blood on a regular basis , ie once a year .

" So , if you are deficient in vitamin D , you and your doctor can immediately make plans to increase the levels of vitamin D , either through diet , supplements , or other therapies , " said Dr. Murphy .

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