Nutrition Stop - Vitamins and Minerals - Polyp Prevention Proven with Vitamin D

Polyp Prevention Proven with Vitamin D

A recent study reported in the December 10, 2003 issue of The Journal of the American Medical Association has found vitamin D may help lower the risk of serious colon polyps - a condition that can progress to colon cancer. At the same time, dietary cereal fiber was found to have a similar effect. The study also concluded that an increased risk of colon polyps is associated with smoking, having a close relative who has had colon cancer, and moderate to heavy drinking of alcohol. Several previous studies have suggested a link between vitamin D and prevention of colon polyps, but this study was well controlled, and the evidence it presents is considered "compelling." The beneficial amount of vitamin D was 645 international units (I.E..) daily. The current RDA is 200 I.E..