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Vitamin D May Boost Cancer Survival

Posting Date: 05/02/2005

Q. I know that we need Vitamin D for absorption of calcium. Do you make Vitamin D if the sunlight is coming through glass (when you?re riding in a car or sitting by a window)?

A. The body makes vitamin D when skin is exposed to sunshine. Ultraviolet B rays are primarily responsible for this process, and window glass protects against most UVB exposure. Consequently, it is hard to get a tan or make vitamin D indoors.

Vitamin D is crucial for building strong bones. This nutrient also appears to help prevent heart disease, depression and certain cancers. A new study from Harvard has found that lung cancer patients who got more sun and had high levels of vitamin D had much better survival rates.

Fifteen minutes of sun exposure two or three times a week may be all it takes to make adequate amounts of vitamin D. For those who cannot tolerate even that much sun, a supplement might do the trick.

Q. A family friend told us that bitter melon could help reduce blood sugar. We went to our local health food store and bought a bottle containing 30 capsules for $17.99.

It?s pricey, but it seems to work! My husband takes metformin and glyburide for diabetes. After adding this supplement his blood sugar level was down considerably.

A. Combining herbs with diabetes drugs can be risky. Blood sugar levels could drop too low, causing hypoglycemia. Your husband will need to monitor his blood glucose very carefully and stay in close touch with his physician.

Bitter melon (Momordica charantia) is a tropical relative of the cucumber. Several short-term studies suggest that it may indeed help reduce blood sugar. Long-term safety has not been established. Children or pregnant women should not use it.

Q. I woke up this morning to find I was another year older, but thanks to you I am active again for the first time in years. I have combined several suggestions I found in your column for arthritis pain.