A large daily dose of vitamin D can dramatically lower the risk of developing common cancers, American scientists say.

The "natural" form of the vitamin, known as D3, could dramatically reduce the chances of developing breast, ovarian and colon cancer, as well as others, by up to 50 per cent, according to the research published in the American Journal of Public Health. The findings are based on a review of 63 studies that looked at the relationship between blood levels of vitamin D and cancer risk

The research concluded that 1,000 international units (IU) of vitamin D were required daily could to lower an individual’s cancer risk. Such large doses of vitamin D must be treated with caution as more than 2,000 IU a day can lead to the body absorbing too much calcium, and possible damage to the liver and kidneys.

D3 is normally produced in the skin by the action of sunlight, but is also obtained from certain foods. Dietary sources are limited, a glass of milk, for instance, contains only 100 IU of the vitamin. The researchers suggest that supplements may be one of the best ways to take the vitamin.

Professor Cedric Garland, from the University of California at San Diego, who led the review study, said: "A preponderance of evidence, from the best observational studies the medical world has to offer, gathered over 25 years, has led to the conclusion that public health action is needed. The easiest and most reliable way of getting the appropriate amount is from food and a daily supplement."

British cancer specialists have given a cautious welcome to the researchers' conclusions. "There is evidence to suggest that the vitamin plays a role in keeping cells healthy," said Sara Hiom, the head of health information at Cancer Research UK. "But further research is needed to understand what role vitamin D may play in preventing cancer in humans."

Vitamin D deficiency may account for several thousand premature deaths from cancer each year in the United States, the scientists said. The study found that people in the north eastern US, and darker skinned individuals, were at increased risk due to a lack of sunshine-generated vitamin D.

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