Frequently Asked Questions About Vitamin D

Does Vitamin D prevent Cancer?

Perhaps. Here’s the data. More than 1000 women in Nebraska, not noted for it’s sun soaked atmosphere took Calcium or Calcium with Vitamin D, or a placebo for 4 years. They looked at cancer statistics — none had cancer when the study started — and found that 12 months after the study started (to weed out anyone whose cancer might have been in the body, but not detected at the beginning of the study) there was more than a 75% reduction in cancer risk with those taking Vitamin D vs. those taking calcium only or a placebo.

What type of Vitamin D should I be looking for?

Vitamin D3 was what was studied.

What’s the difference between ordinary calcium with Vitamin D and calcium with Vitamin D3?

The calcium with Vitamin D contains D3 but it’s too low, in my opinion. If you buy an individual vitamin D product and it should say D3.

What brand should I buy?

Any brand that is reliable. Actually if it says USP (which stands for US Pharacopia) it has to have met its standards for potency and dissolution rate. It’s like the Underwriters Laboratory approval so that would be OK. House brand vitamins from major stores are, in my experience, always OK as they have a reputation to stand by.

How much should I take each day?

I would recommend 1000 IU (international units) of D3. A bottle of 100 cost about $7 or $8.

Can I get Vitamin D through natural sources (i.e. sun, food)?

You can get it from the sun, but it’s very hard to get enough unless you live in the sun and play in the sun. And too much time in the sun can increase risk for skin cancer. It’s best to get it through supplements. As far as food: Dairy products are your best bet. Here’s a helpful guide I like to use.