Vitamin D & Breast Health

Vitamin D and Breast cancer

 

There has been several studies and meta-analysis linking the topic of vitamin D deficiency and increased breast cancer risk.  Here is a link to a few great articles (PMCID: PMC5997996, PMC5802611). 

Research suggests that women with low vitamin D levels have a higher risk of breast cancer. In addition, vitamin D is essential for bone health, the immune system, muscles and nervous system. Low levels have also been associated with depression. 

So how does vitamin D fight cancer cells? It does this by working on a receptor, VDR. Vitamin D then causes cancer cells to stop, causes differentiation (which is turning cancer cells back into normal cells) and apoptosis (causes cancer cells to commit suicide). Vitamin D also blocks the effect of IGF-1 and estrogen receptor pathways in breast cancer cells. 

Some doctors go as far as recommending tanning beds to achieve vitamin D optimum levels. I would be cautious as tanning beds are linked to increased skin cancer. If you are supplementing with vitamin D look for a professional grade brand. Your pharmacist would be a great resource in helping you choose a vitamin D quality product. I encourage you to talk to your pharmacist.

Stay tuned more to come!

Reference: 

1.     https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5802611/. Accessed on October 7, 2020