Friday November 7, 2008 (foodconsumer.org) -- Radiation from natural sources like rocks and the sky as well as medical equipment can cause development of all types of cancer.   A new study suggests that vitamin D may help counteract the harmful effect of low levels of natural radiation.

The suggestion came after radiological health expert Daniel Hayes, Ph.D., of the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene reviewed previous research on vitamin D, particularly the active form calcitriol and its physiological roles in the body.

"Our general understanding and appreciation of the multifaceted protective actions of vitamin D have recently entered a new era," says Hayes, "It is now becoming recognized that its most active molecular form, 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3, may offer protection against a variety of radiation- and otherwise-induced damages."

Early studies on various biochemical mechanisms showed vitamin D protects people from the low levels of natural radiation, which is harmful even though the cancer risk from this type of exposure is small.

Hayes pointed out that calcitriol is involved in cells cycle regulation and control of proliferation, cellular differentiation and communication between cells as well as apoptosis (programmed cell deaths) and autophagy and atiangiogenesis.

The body's vitamin D receptor (VDR) allows gene transcription and transcribed proteins activate the innate immune response and protect the body from the damage by radiation, Hayes suggested.

"Vitamin D by its preventive/ameliorating actions should be given serious consideration as a protective agent against sublethal radiation injury, and in particular that induced by low-level radiation," concluded Hayes.

Vitamin D has almost become a wonder vitamin and recent studies have suggested that this vitamin helps protect against many serious diseases like cancer.