High levels of vitamin D in the blood appear to be linked to lower risks of colorectal cancer, although it is not clear if higher intake of the vitamin actually prevents the disease researchers say.

Still, the findings are food for thought:  Scientists found that those with the highest levels of vitamin D in their blood had as much as a 40 % lower risk for developing colorectal cancer than those with the lowest levels.

The research, published online in BMJ, is based on a study of more than 520,000 people from 10 countries in Western Europe.  The participants gave blood samples and filled out diet and lifestyle questionnaires between 1992 and 1998.  They were then tracked for several more years to see what happened to them.

The researchers cautioned that it is not clear if there are risks from consuming high levels of vitamin D.  It is also not known whether supplements are necessary if people reach certain levels through a healthy diet, exercise and moderate exposure to sunlight.

HealthDay