<div><p>High levels of vitamin D are linked with a lower risk of colon cancer, according to a comparison of more than half a million Europeans, published online Friday by the British Medical Journal (BMJ).</p><p>Patients with the highest levels of vitamin D in their blood had a nearly 40 percent lower risk of colorectal cancer compared to those with the lowest levels.</p><p>Vitamin D, derived mainly from sunlight but also found in foods, plays a key role in bone strength by increasing levels of calcium in the blood.</p><p>Whether it affects incidence of cancer has been hotly debated and the evidence is sketchy.</p><p>The paper draws on a very large study, the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer (EPIC) project, carried out in 10 Western European countries.</p><p>The authors sound a note of caution, saying it is unclear whether vitamin D supplements are any more effective than a balanced diet or getting regular exposure to sunlight.</p><p>Further work is needed, they add, to show whether the statistical link in this investigation is born out -- and whether there could be any side effects from taking supplements or eating food fortified with vitamin D.</p><p>Smoking, obesity, a sedentary lifestyle, alcohol and eating red and processed meats have previously been established as factors in cancer of the colon and rectum.</p><img src="http://admatch-syndication.mochila.com/images/ad.gif?aid=67475034&bid=informcom" /></div><div id="copyright"><div>

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