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Vitamin D (also known as "calciferol" or more specifically the "sunshine vitamin") is a fat-soluble vitamin that provides a variety of health benefits, including strengthening bones, improving mood, and promoting health. Research has even shown that it can help reduce the growth of cancer cells, fight infection, and reduce inflammation. It's no surprise that this essential nutrient has gained some momentum in recent years.
Unfortunately, despite its beneficial effects on health, sunshine vitamins are not found in many foods. Aside from certain fish, egg yolks, mushrooms, and fortified cereals, you may have trouble getting enough vitamin D from food alone. And while your body can make vitamin D from sunlight, it requires direct exposure at peak times of the day, which is hard to find for many people who work indoors or live in northern climates. For this reason, many people turn to supplements to ensure they get their daily needs of this important nutrient.
A new study shows that vitamin D supplements may provide another major health benefit. According to a recent study published in Melanoma Research on December 28, 2022, people who regularly take vitamin D supplements may have a lower risk of developing skin cancer. Specifically, the study found fewer cases of melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer. "Taking vitamin D up front can improve skin health and reduce the risk of developing melanoma," says Laura Purdy, MD, MBA, a licensed primary care physician in Fort Benning, Georgia. "Researchers found that higher vitamin D intake was associated with a lower risk of developing melanoma."
This finding is significant because the number of new cases of melanoma has increased by 31% each year since 2012. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk, as studies show that occasional vitamin D supplements are associated with a lower risk. melanoma compared to non-users. Here's what you need to know.
See also : I'm a skin cancer survivor and here are my top tips for protecting your skin
What the study found
Researchers from the University of Eastern Finland (UEF) and Kuopio University Hospital collaborated as part of the North Savo Skin Cancer Program to reach this conclusion. First, they recruited 498 adult patients considered at increased risk for skin cancers, including basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma. UEF dermatologists then review patients' medical history, general information, and skin condition to classify them into three categories of skin cancer risk: high risk, intermediate risk, and low risk. Patients were then divided into three groups based on oral intake of vitamin D supplements: regular users, occasional users, and non-users. The main findings of the study were that regular vitamin D users had fewer melanomas and a reduced risk of skin cancer compared to non-users.
Ilka Harvima, MD, Ph.D., study author and professor of dermatology and allergy at UEF, told Ettingwell , "The incidence of melanoma was lower in regular vitamin D users than in non-cancer users (low, moderate, or high rating subjects). Rated by experienced dermatologists was significantly lower in regular users than in non-users.
What does this mean?
Researchers found that even occasional users of oral vitamin D supplements may have a lower risk of melanoma than nonusers. This means that at a time when skin cancer rates are on the rise, supplements like vitamin D can protect you from this deadly disease. However, vitamin D does not protect your skin from other harmful aspects of prolonged sun exposure, such as aging, wrinkles, and loss of elasticity. That's why it's so important to take extra steps to protect your skin from the sun's harmful UV rays. "To reduce your risk of skin cancer, avoid excess exposure to UV rays, whether from the sun or artificial sources," advises Trista Best, RD, registered nutritionist at Balance One Supplements. Additionally, eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, managing stress, and maintaining a healthy weight can all help reduce risk. It's important to check your skin regularly and know what's normal for you so you can spot changes early and see a dermatologist if needed. No worries."
Also note that most supplements are completely unregulated. Be sure to choose a supplement that's third-party certified for ingredient accuracy so you know what you're getting.
Underline
A new collaborative study between the University of Eastern Finland and Kuopio University Hospital has found that taking oral vitamin D supplements can reduce the risk of skin cancer and melanoma. They found that moderate intake of vitamin D helps reduce the risk of skin cancer. However, vitamin D supplements won't protect your skin from other types of sun damage, so take the necessary precautions to protect your skin from the outdoors. Always consult your doctor or healthcare team before making major lifestyle changes, and consider talking to a dermatologist about other ways to reduce your risk of skin cancer.