Vitamin D deficiency puts you at much greater risk for cancer — there's more

Optimal Vitamin D level is between 70 ng/mL to 80 ng/mL to cut risk of cancer

This article is sponsored by HealthTexas.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and one controllable way you can prevent cancer is to make sure you have enough Vitamin D.

Vitamin D deficiency can really impact other areas of your health, according to HealthTexas founder Dr. Rowland Reyna. 

Vitamin D is found in milk, orange juice, salmon, tuna and some brands of yogurt. 

We have some answers to your Vitamin D deficiency questions.

How common is Vitamin D deficiency?

"Probably 95 to 98 % of all Americans have this," said Reyna. "What happens is that you cut the risk of 18 different cancers in half. By taking something that costs pennies a day, you can cut the risk of breast cancer in half. You cut the risk of heart attack and stroke by 40 % and the risk of Alzheimer's disease. These are the things that people die of every day." 

What are the risks of Vitamin D deficiency?

  • 40% higher risk of heart disease and stroke
  • 50% increased risk of 18 different cancers
  • Higher incidence of Alzheimer's disease
  • Higher incidence of osteoporosis
  • Higher incidence of diabetes
  • Increased obesity 

What are the optimal levels of Vitamin D?

To cut your risk of heart disease, an optimal level is 55 ng/mL. Dr. Reyna recommends getting to a 70 ng/mL or 80 ng/mL to reduce your cancer risk.

What is the best way to optimize Vitamin D levels?

"Just take a supplement. It's easy, cheap and safe," Reyna said.

For more information, visit healthtexas.org or call 210-731-HTMG.

 

 


About the Author:

Kiersten has been a Digital Content Creator with KSAT12 since 2017. She graduated from Texas State University with an electronic media degree and previously worked for the Spurs Sports & Entertainment.