Getting enough Vitamin D3 could reduce breast cancer risk by half and that of colorectal cancer by two-thirds according to a meta-analysis of two studies on Vitamin D.

The data showed that low levels of Vitamin D3 was associated with the highest rates of breast cancer and the risk decreased as blood levels of the vitamin increased. Co-author of one of the studies, Cedric Garland, Dr.P.H. said, “The serum level associated with a 50 percent reduction in risk could be maintained by taking 2,000 international units of vitamin D3 daily plus, when the weather permits, spending 10 to 15 minutes a day in the sun.”

The findings of the study on colorectal cancer were comparable with the risk decreasing for individuals with higher levels of Vitamin D3.

Vitamin D3 can be increased through diet, supplements and exposure to sunlight or UVB. Sun exposure should not be long enough to cause skin to tan or burn. 10 to 15 minutes in midday sunlight with 50% of skin exposed is recommended for light-skinned individuals, darker skin may need up to 25 minutes of exposure.

2 new studies back Vitamin D for cancer prevention