Can sunbathing prevent cancer? The health code in the sun!

Have you ever noticed that you feel particularly happy on sunny days? In fact, there is a scientific basis for this. Sunlight not only brings us a good mood, but also provides an important "nutrient" for our body - vitamin D. This vitamin is not as easy to obtain from food as other vitamins. It is more like a "natural sunscreen" for our body. When exposed to sunlight, our skin will automatically synthesize it.

In recent years, scientists have discovered that vitamin D is not only important for bone health, but also closely related to the occurrence and development of a variety of diseases, including cancer. On April 26, 2024, a study in the journal Science revealed an unexpected link between vitamin D and tumors: low vitamin D levels are closely related to tumor development. This makes this vitamin a potential "new star" in tumor prevention and treatment.

1. We already know about this vitamin.

Vitamin D, also known as the "sunshine vitamin", plays a variety of important physiological functions in the human body. In addition to promoting calcium absorption and maintaining bone health, it is also involved in a variety of physiological processes such as immune regulation, cell differentiation, and gene expression.

2. Where does it come from?

1. Sunlight exposure: When ultraviolet rays in sunlight hit the skin, the human body will automatically synthesize them.

2. Food intake: Some foods such as cod liver oil, salmon, tuna, egg yolk, etc. also contain this vitamin.

3. Supplements: If your body's needs for this vitamin are not met through diet and sunlight exposure, you can consider taking a vitamin D supplement.

3. "Science" New scientific discovery: Vitamin D may fight cancer
A. How does vitamin D affect tumors?

This latest study found that it can inhibit tumor growth and metastasis through multiple pathways.

①Immune regulation: Vitamin D can enhance the function of the immune system and help the body identify and eliminate cancer cells.

② Cell apoptosis: Vitamin D can induce cancer cell apoptosis, which is "suicide".

③ Angiogenesis inhibition: Vitamin D can inhibit the formation of tumor blood vessels, thereby cutting off the "nutrient supply" of the tumor.

B. Impact on the microbiome: the “little helpers” in the intestine

In addition to acting directly on cancer cells, it can also exert an anti-tumor effect by affecting the intestinal microbiome. We know that the intestinal microbiome is like a miniature ecosystem with trillions of microorganisms living in it. These microorganisms are closely related to our health. They not only participate in the digestion and absorption of food, but also affect our immune system. Studies have found that vitamin D can improve the intestinal environment and inhibit tumor growth by regulating the composition of intestinal microorganisms.

4. Vitamin D and the microbiome work together to fight cancer

This study also shows that there is a complex interaction between this vitamin and the intestinal microbiome. It can not only affect the composition of intestinal microorganisms, but in turn, intestinal microorganisms can also affect the metabolism and activity of vitamin D. This interaction forms a complex network that is jointly involved in the occurrence and development of tumors.

5. China's Guidelines: Importance of Vitamin D Supplementation for Infants

my country's health department attaches great importance to its supplementation, especially for infants and young children. According to the "Dietary Guidelines for Chinese Residents", it is recommended that infants supplement vitamin D from birth, 400-800 international units per day, until the age of two. This is because infants' skin contains less 7-dehydrocholesterol and has a weaker ability to synthesize this vitamin, while the content in breast milk is low and cannot meet the needs of infants. This recommendation is to prevent health problems such as rickets caused by a lack of this vitamin, especially when there is insufficient sunlight exposure or the vitamin content in the diet is low.

VI. Vitamin D Supplementation and Precautions

As adults, how do we get enough vitamin D?

Ⅰ. Sunbathing: Appropriate 15-20 minutes of sun exposure every day can meet most of the body's needs for vitamin D.

Ⅱ. Food: You can eat more foods rich in this vitamin, such as cod liver oil, salmon, tuna, egg yolk, etc.

III. Choice of supplements: Take vitamin D supplements under the guidance of a doctor or nutritionist.

IV. Notes on vitamin D supplementation:

①Supplement in moderation: any vitamin, taken in excess, can cause harm to the body.

②Individual differences: Different people have different vitamin requirements, and scientific adjustments should be made based on their own circumstances.

③Doctor’s guidance: Before taking vitamin D supplements, it is best to consult a doctor or nutritionist.

Finally: Healthy living can also start with scientific vitamin supplementation. Vitamin research is a dynamic field, and scientists are constantly exploring more roles of vitamins in the human body. This latest study on vitamin D reveals its potential value in tumor prevention and treatment. We know that vitamins cannot cure all diseases! But its in-depth research undoubtedly adds real power to our healthy life. On weekdays, we can better maintain our health by eating a reasonable diet, getting enough sun, and supplementing vitamins when necessary.

References:

1.Giampazolias E, Pereira da Costa M, Lam KC, et al. Vitamin D regulates microbiome-dependent cancer immunity[J]. Science, 2024, 384(6694): 428-437.

2. Dietary Guidelines for Chinese Residents 2022 Edition

3. China Infant and Young Child Feeding Guidelines (2022)