Vitamin D helps prevent cancer and other diseases

Abu Dhabi: Studies suggest that vitamin D deficiency contributes to the risk of developing both type 1 and 2 diabetes since it helps improve insulin sensitivity by 60 per cent, said doctors.

Al Noor Hospital is holding an international conference in collaboration with Mayo Clinic in the USA. Professor Bart Clarke, said Vitamin D is not only good for the bones, it reduces the risk of developing cancer, and other diseases including diabetes.

"Vitamin D may increase insulin secretion and insulin sensitivity and lowering blood glucose levels; type 1 diabetes may occur less frequently in subjects who receive vitamin D in early life," said Clarke.

Dr Salem Beshyah, Consultant Endocrinologist at Shaikh Khalifa Medical City told Gulf News that most people living in the UAE suffer from moderate to severe forms of vitamin D deficiency.

I am well aware of the important of vitamin D, but there is not many places where women can sunbath alone and it is not allowed to put anything on the balconies to screen herself from prying eyes. It is very difficult to get enough vitamin D from the food alone; 15 minutes exposure to the sun per day would be enough to cover the need for vitamin D.
Mariam Soren
Sharjah,UAE
Posted: March 20, 2009, 11:55