Vitamin D May Protect Against Colorectal Cancer: Best Dietary Sources Of The Sunshine Vitamin

Vitamin D deficiency and colorectal cancer Researchers have highlighted an increase in cases of colorectal cancer in younger adults, but the reason behind this worrisome trend is yet to be explained. However, a growing evidence suggests an association between vitamin D deficiency and risk of colorectal cancer mortality. Concerningly, vitamin D intake from food sources has decreased in the past several decades, according to researchers. Can increasing vitamin D intake reduce the risk of young-onset colorectal cancer? Maybe. A new study published online in the journal Gastroenterology found that total vitamin D intake of 300 IU per day or more (roughly equivalent to three 8-oz. glasses of milk) was associated with an approximately 50% lower risk of developing young-onset colorectal cancer. So, it has suggested that consuming higher amounts of Vitamin D -- mainly from dietary sources -- may help protect against developing young-onset colorectal cancer or precancerous colon polyps. The authors noted that their findings could potentially lead to recommendations for higher vitamin D intake as a colorectal cancer prevention strategy for adults younger than age 50. Below are some good dietary sources of Vitamin D or sunshine vitamin that you can include in your diet.Fish Oily fish including salmon, herring, tuna, sardines and mackerel are great sources of vitamin D. Experts recommend that healthy adults take 2,000 IU of vitamin D daily – or more if they get little or no sun exposure. Eating wild salmon can offer about 988 IU of vitamin D per serving.Eggs If you don’t like fish, whole eggs are another good source of Vitamin D. Eggs from hens raised outside or fed vitamin-D-enriched feed contain much higher levels than commercially raised hens.Milk Some food products are fortified with vitamin D. Cow’s milk is usually fortified with this nutrient. In addition, cow’s milk is naturally a good source of calcium, phosphorous, and riboflavin. Soy milk, orange juice, cereal and oatmeal are also generally fortified with vitamin D.Cod liver Cod liver oil, extracted from the liver of fish called cod, is more of a supplement than a food.Mushrooms Did you know that mushrooms are the only good plant source of vitamin D? Mushrooms, like humans, can synthesize the sunshine vitamin when exposed to UV light. However, mushrooms produce vitamin D2, which may not be as effective as vitamin D3 produced by animals.