A new Harvard study finds that men who had the highest blood levels of vitamin D were 29% less apt to die from any cancer than those who had the least blood D.
The vitamin appeared to be particularly effective in preventing deaths from colon, pancreatic, esophageal and stomach cancers. According to one measure, an extra 1,500 IU of a vitamin D supplement may cut such cancer deaths by 45%.
New German research suggests that vitamin D may be a new anti-inflammatory agent for treating congestive heart failure. A daily dose of 2,000 IU vitamin D strongly reduced signs of inflammation, which is involved in heart failure.
Such high doses of D generally aren't recommended but are safe, researchers say. High-vitamin D foods include canned pink salmon (3 ounces have 530 IU).
Scientific sources
Vitamin D vs. cancer
Giovannucci E. J Natl Cancer Inst. 2006 Apr 5;98(7): 451-9
Vitamin D vs. heart failure
Schleithoff, Stefanie. Am J Clin Nutr. 2006 Apr; 83(4):754-9
Our Multi-Nutrient Formula contain 1,000 IU of vitamin D3 (as cholecalciferol). Most multis contain only 200-400 IU vitamin D and typically use the cheaper version D2, which is has been proven to be much less effective. See related products below.