Even before the pandemic, vitamin D supplements were flying off the shelves. In recent years, studies have found that this crucial nutrient can prevent heart disease, preserve muscle strength, stop diabetes, reduce belly fat, and fight osteoporosis.

After the coronavirus began spreading, researchers discovered that being low in vitamin D nearly doubles your chances of infection.

Scientists at the University of Chicago tested the vitamin D levels of 489 people. They found that people who were deficient were nearly twice as likely to test positive for the coronavirus.[1]

Now, a new study shows that the single best supplement to take during pandemic may also protect you from dying of cancer.[2]

For many years, researchers have noticed that people who live near the equator get cancer less frequently. And when they do get it, they are less likely to die from it.

Scientists theorized they their higher vitamin D levels from increased sun exposure protected them from cancer. In cancer cells and in the lab and in animal studies, vitamin D has also been found to slow cancer growth.

Other research has found that cancer patients are often low in vitamin D. One study showed that 72% of cancer patients are deficient.

Now, a team of Harvard researchers has specifically looked at the effect of vitamin D supplements on cancer rates in humans. It was a rigorous, placebo-controlled study that included more than 25,000 subjects.

The participants were split into four groups. One group took 2,000 IUs a day of vitamin D plus an omega-3 supplement. Another group took vitamin D with a placebo. A third group took omega-3s with a placebo. The last group took two placebos.

Vitamin D: Powerful Protection Against Advanced Cancer

When the study began, none of the subjects had been diagnosed with cancer. After five years, the researchers found that the two groups taking vitamin D had a 17% lower risk for advanced cancer.

The study also suggested that people who are not overweight or obese get even more protection from vitamin D. They had a 38% risk reduction of getting serious, life-threatening cancer.

Dr. Paulette Chandler, an author of the study, summarized the findings: “Vitamin D may reduce the risk of developing advanced cancers,” she said.[3]

One of the best things about vitamin D is that it is inexpensive and safe, Dr. Chandler noted.

“Vitamin D is a supplement that’s readily available, cheap, and has been used and studied for decades. Our findings, especially the strong risk reduction seen in individuals with normal weight, provide new information about the relationship between vitamin D and advanced cancer.”

How to Make Sure You’re Getting Enough Vitamin D

You may be telling yourself that you have nothing to worry about because you get plenty of vitamin D.”

Actually, there’s a good chance you don’t.

About half of Americans are vitamin D deficient, according to a JAMA study. Earlier research found the figure may be as high as 75%.[4] [5]

The next time you have a physical, have your doctor check your vitamin D level. The test can be done with your other blood work.

If your reading is less than 20 ng/mL, you need more vitamin D. Ideal levels are 40-60 ng/mL.

To raise your level, get at least 15 minutes of sun during the middle of the day with your arms and legs exposed. If that’s not possible, take a quality vitamin D supplement. We recommend 5,000 IUs a day.

One more thing…

Be sure to take the D3 form of the vitamin. It is far better absorbed by your body than D2, which is also widely sold as a supplement.

Editor’s Note: Discover the simple ancient health practice that researchers believe may offer a “ray of hope” in the fight against COVID-19. It takes just minutes a day.

Find out why one doctor is doing it himself and is recommending it to all his patients. Get all the details in our monthly journal Independent Healing. To get your copy, go HERE.

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[1] https://www.medpagetoday.com/infectiousdisease/covid19/88456?xid=nl_mpt_DHE_2020-09-04&eun=g1421475d0r&utm_source=Sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Daily%20Headlines%20Top%20Cat%20HeC%20%202020-09-04&utm_term=NL_Daily_DHE_dual-gmail-definition

[2] https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2773074

[3] https://medicalxpress.com/news/2020-11-vitamin-d-supplements-advanced-cancer.html

[4] https://consumer.healthday.com/infectious-disease-information-21/coronavirus-1008/too-little-vitamin-d-might-raise-odds-of-coronavirus-infection-760987.html

[5] https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/vitamin-d-deficiency-united-states/