Lack of Vitamin D May Explain Black Cancer Deaths

75 percent of blacks are deficient in vitamin D.

Vitamin D may be one of the main reasons African-Americans are more likely to die from cancer than white Americans, according to MSNBC.

While the reasons include socio-economic status, poorer access to health care and diagnosis' coming at later more deadly stages, the sun is one of the main reasons.

The study, published in the journal of Dermato-Endocrinology says that the dark skin of blacks in northern latitudes don't absorb enough sunlight to generate adequate amounts of vitamin D, which is often called the sunshine vitamin. That equals anywhere above California, Texas, Tennessee or North Carolina.

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It is needed for strong bones, and recent studies show that low levels of vitamin D in the blood contribute to a weak immune system and cancer, multiple sclerosis and other diseases.

Upwards of 75 percent of blacks are deficient in vitamin D.

The study found that in 13 types of cancer: bladder, breast, colon, endometrial, lung, ovarian, pancreatic, prostate, rectal, testicular, and vaginal cancer; Hodgkin's lymphoma; and melanoma, all have a vitamin d link.

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