Vitamin D deficiency

VitaminD

On February 22, 2016, the Journal of Clinical Oncology published an article by Dr Adam Murphy and colleagues at Northwestern University that reported an association between insufficient serum vitamin D levels and aggressive prostate cancer, which is associated with a less favourable chance of survival in comparison with nonaggressive disease. One assumes that because we live in “Sunny South Africa,” we all have adequate Vitamin D levels. Not true.

Over 80% of patients I test, have insufficient Vitamin D levels. Low Vitamin D increases the risk of developing osteoporosis, is associated with poor immune function and is a major cause of chronic fatigue. Spending more time in the sun is impractical as we all work indoors and sun exposure is associated with skin cancer; so supplementation is necessary if your Vitamin D levels are low. Make sure your annual medical includes a blood test for Vitamin D levels.