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.
