Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in women, says the University of Maryland Medical Center. Early detection is important. Women over 40 should undergo regular screening. All women should examine their breasts regularly and seek medical help if they notice changes in breast shape or find a lump in the breast or underarm tissue. Although some women are genetically predisposed to breast cancer, you can reduce the risk of developing it if you cut your alcohol intake and avoid becoming obese. Vitamin D may help to prevent cancer, although evidence to prove this is inconclusive. Talk to a doctor or pharmacist before supplementing your diet with vitamin D.
Properties
Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that helps the body to absorb the mineral, calcium. It plays an important role in bone growth and prevents the bones from becoming thin and brittle. The Office of Dietary Supplements, or ODS, notes that it also contributes to cell growth and also helps maintain immune function. ODS adds that there is strong evidence indicating that vitamin D may also play a role in the prevention of breast cancer.
Sources and Administration
The body manufactures vitamin D itself when sunlight hits the skin. As such, it is sometimes referred to as the "sunshine vitamin." It is also found in several foods including dairy products, salmon, liver, sardines and Swiss cheese. Yogurt and margarine are often fortified with vitamin D. You can also take vitamin D as a dietary supplement in pills or capsules. Guidance regarding the amount needed to prevent breast cancer or support treatment is lacking, but your doctor may be able to advise you on a suitable dose.
Effectiveness
The results of a clinical study published in the December 2010 issue of the "Journal of Epidemiology," show that taking a vitamin D supplement lowers the risk of breast cancer in premenopausal women. Furthermore, women who took five mcg of vitamin D daily lowered their risk of breast cancer more than women who took less than two mcg daily. Research published in the September 2010 issue of "Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention" also found that vitamin D is associated with a decreased risk of breast cancer, especially in young women. However, the authors add that randomized clinical trials need to confirm the benefits of vitamin D in breast cancer prevention.
Considerations
Taking too much vitamin D may cause health problems including weight loss and heart arrhythmia. ODS notes that the upper tolerable level of vitamin D for females over nine years of age is 4,000 IU daily -- that is, taking this amount is unlikely to cause any adverse effects. Bear in mind that vitamin D supplements may interact with other medicines you may be taking including corticosteroid drugs and phenobarbital. Talk to your doctor before taking a vitamin D supplement.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Breast Cancer
- Office of Dietary Supplements: Vitamin D
- "Journal of Epidemiology"; Vitamin D Decreases Risk of Breast Cancer in Premenopausal Women of Normal Weight in Subtropical Taiwan; M.S. Lee et al.; December 2010
- "Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention"; Serum 25(OH) Vitamin D and Risk of Breast Cancer: A Nested Case-Control Study From the French E3N Cohort; P. Engel et al.; September 2010
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