[Judith Anne]

Thanks for posting. I have read elsewhere that D has anti-inflammatory and some antiviral effects.

I'd think that natural D, made by the body in sunlight, is likely the best form for health maintenance.

[caveat emptor]

I'd think that natural D, made by the body in sunlight, is likely the best form for health maintenance.

Me too. But it depends on where you live, and how much exposure to sunlight you can get.

I've seen studies showing a relation between latitude and these cancers in the western US. You're in good shape if you live in Phoenix. Not so good in Seattle.

[Sam Cree]

"I'd think that natural D, made by the body in sunlight, is likely the best form for health maintenance."

It should follow then that people living in higher latitudes, where there is less sunlight, get less cancer. Although too much sunlight is obviously a cause of cancer as well, due to overexposure to UV rays, I think. 'Course, , in colder climates they eat a lot of cheese, which is also a source of vitamin D.

[aruanan]

I'd think that natural D, made by the body in sunlight, is likely the best form for health maintenance.

Speaking as a Ph.D. in Human Nutrition/Nutritional Biology, I can tell you that a chemical is a chemical is a chemical. Sure, if you're able to take enough sun daily (without sun screen) and live in a place where there's enough sun of sufficient intensity throughout the year, you have nothing to worry about. However, supplemental vitamin D will do exactly the same thing as that synthesized in the skin and has already been shown to be necessary to prevent deficiency disease. It was the widespread incidence of rickets that led to the search for and identification of vitamin D. Since synthetic vitamin D was added to milk, the incidence of rickets has dropped dramatically. Now, if people were getting insufficient vitamin D to prevent rickets, then they were certainly getting far too little vitamin D for its other roles that require a lot more than for preventing the deficiency disease.

[LIConFem]

"I'd think that natural D, made by the body in sunlight, is likely the best form for health maintenance."

It does wonders for one's mood as well.