The Silver Bullet Against Cancer For African American Baby Boomers?

By: Steve Taylor

S. Taylor-ourlifedesigns.com Revised from Natural News.com 8/25/10

Research claims about nutritional supplements and associated cures for disease states, present themselves on a weekly basis. The collective hopes of all Americans are raised by the lofty claims and dashed just as quickly by adverse side affect profiles.  Similarly, rarely discussed medical conditions like restless leg syndrome emerge out of obscurity, driven by the marketing arm of eager drug companies. So, who are consumers to believe and when is it time to take action?

The most recent study results about Vitamin D3 would seem to be a breath of fresh air in the fog of research claims. The study outcomes provide real hope for all Americans. Additionally, there is special cause for attention and action for Black American baby boomers as well. We have learned that Vitamin D3 is actually a hormone instead of a vitamin; hence it’s ability to affect multiple organ systems in such a profound way.

Study Results

One of the landmark studies to support the new claims of Vitamin D3 as a wonder supplement appears in the research from the Moores Cancer Center at the University of California, San Diego. Lead researcher, Cedric Garland Ph.D., studied the dose response relationship between Vitamin D3 and several different types of cancers. The study was unique in its scope because it examined the serum levels of Vitamin D3 in winter months for people in 15 different countries. Data was compiled that indicated at least 200,000 to 350,000 cases of colon, breast, kidney and ovarian cancer could be prevented with an increase in exposure to sunlight and an increase in Vitamin D3 intake. This is especially true for countries north of the equator. Vitamin D3 is available through exposure to sunlight, from diet and supplements.

According to the research from that study, a daily intake of 2000 IU/day units of Vitamin D3, which could be accomplished with a combination of diet, supplements and exposure to sunlight would provide the requisite benefit for protection against these diseases.  However, the most recent study reports suggest that a 200-pound male, living in a northern climate should be consuming 6000 IU of Vitamin D3 per day.

The most comprehensive study that I have read to date is titled; The Use of Vitamin D in Clinical Practice, by Dr. John J. Cannell and Bruce Hollis Ph.D, found in the Alternative Medicine Review.

Skin Color Makes a Difference in Absorption

One of the fascinating hypotheses that arise from this body of research is the impact of skin color on Vitamin D3 absorption. Fair skinned people synthesize Vitamin D3 from exposure to the sun more readily than darker complexioned people. Increased melanin in the skin of dark complexioned races, impede the absorption of sunlight and hence the synthesis of Vitamin D3. In addition, Vitamin D3 facilitates the absorption of calcium. The reduced serum levels in dark skinned people residing in northern climates could lead to increased bone related disorders, especially bone fractures, due to reduced calcium absorption and osteoporosis. This condition could be especially problematic for African American and other dark complected baby boomers living in these northern climates.

Vitamin D3, Brain Function and Quality of Life Issues

An online review by Dr. Richard Huemer of a 2006 study that appeared in the American Journal of Geriatric Psychology reported higher than normal risk factors for mood disorders and cognitive impairment in seniors with deficient serum levels of Vitamin D3. Another study appearing in the online health journal, Third Age, examined the increase in SAD in senior populations that were deficient in Vitamin D3. Another approach to treating SAD is with the use of light and sound or audio visual entrainment. This simple approach has been shown to relieve the symptoms of SAD in seniors within a few weeks of using the light and sound therapy devices also called the David Pal 36.

A recent National Public Radio (NPR) radio report by Allison Aubry about the relationship of Vitamin D3 and exposure to sunshine identifies a Vitamin D3 driven link to improved brain function. Researcher Dr. Joyce McCann, Children’s Hospital of Oakland Research Institute in California suggests that with higher exposure to sunshine and Vitamin D3, brain health is enhanced. Please be especially vigilant with your food choices. We want to stay away from Vitamin D2 which is often found in yogurt and in other foods as an additive. Vitamin D2 can actually block the absorption of Vitamin D3.

What does this mean for African American Seniors?

African American people have long family histories of diabetes, kidney disease, prostate cancer, breast cancer, hypertension, and high blood pressure. The latest research from Europe and more recently, the U.S., strongly suggests that daily supplements of Vitamin D3 at much high dosages than previously recommended by the FDA, can reduce the onset of many of these chronic illnesses. In addition, mood disorders and cognitive impairment become an increased risk with reduced exposure to sunlight for dark complexioned seniors. However, current research suggests that a person weighing 200 lbs. may need 6,000 IU daily to provide the maximum protection that they need. Skin color and physical condition would also influence that amount. As mentioned earlier, people with darker complexions, those who are overweight, and those over 60 years of age, require higher amounts of Vitamin D3 than other at-risk health consumers. The Grassroots Health organization is engaged in a Vitamin D3 awareness campaign that is very timely.

New Research and Vitamin D3 Product development

Research led by the author, Steve Taylor, has lead to the development of several new Vitamin D3 based formulas that are condition specific and could meet the needs of many at-risk African American health consumers. You can contact Mr. Taylor to learn more about his research and formulas at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Author Bio

Mr. Taylor is an educator, author, researcher and product development specialist. He is currently working on a PsyD. in Applied Psychology with an emphasis on health and wellness, with a goal of working with AA Baby Boomers to improve our quality of life.