Vitamin D And Breast Cancer Latest Evidence And Future Steps
Breast cancer is the second most common cancer in women worldwide. According to the American Cancer Society, an estimated 281,550 new cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed in women in the United States in 2021. There are many factors that increase the risk of developing breast cancer, including age, family history, and certain genetic mutations. However, recent studies have shown that vitamin D may also play a role in breast cancer prevention and treatment.
What is Vitamin D?
Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that is naturally present in very few foods. It is primarily produced in the skin when it is exposed to sunlight. Vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium and phosphorus, which are essential for building and maintaining strong bones. It also plays a role in immune function, cell growth, and inflammation regulation.
The Link between Vitamin D and Breast Cancer
Recent studies have shown that vitamin D may play a role in breast cancer prevention and treatment. Vitamin D has been shown to inhibit the growth and spread of breast cancer cells in laboratory studies. Additionally, observational studies have found that women with higher levels of vitamin D in their blood have a lower risk of developing breast cancer.
A 2018 meta-analysis of 24 studies found that women with higher levels of vitamin D in their blood had a 25% lower risk of developing breast cancer compared to women with lower levels of vitamin D. Another study published in 2019 found that women with breast cancer who had higher levels of vitamin D in their blood had a lower risk of dying from breast cancer compared to women with lower levels of vitamin D.
How Much Vitamin D Do We Need?
The recommended daily intake of vitamin D varies depending on age and other factors. The National Institutes of Health recommends that adults aged 19-70 consume 600-800 IU (international units) of vitamin D per day. However, some experts believe that higher doses of vitamin D may be necessary to achieve optimal health benefits.
Sources of Vitamin D
There are few foods that naturally contain vitamin D. Fatty fish such as salmon and tuna are good sources of vitamin D. Small amounts of vitamin D can also be found in beef liver, cheese, and egg yolks. However, the best source of vitamin D is sunlight. The skin produces vitamin D when it is exposed to sunlight. The amount of vitamin D produced depends on the time of day, season, latitude, and other factors.
Vitamin D Supplements
For people who are unable to get enough vitamin D through sunlight and food sources, vitamin D supplements are available. Vitamin D supplements are available in two forms: vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol) and vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol). Vitamin D3 is the form of vitamin D that is produced by the skin in response to sunlight, and it is the more effective form of vitamin D for raising blood levels.
Future Steps
While the link between vitamin D and breast cancer is promising, more research is needed to fully understand the role of vitamin D in breast cancer prevention and treatment. Clinical trials are currently underway to investigate the effects of vitamin D supplements on breast cancer risk and outcomes. In the meantime, it is important to maintain adequate levels of vitamin D through sunlight and dietary sources.
Conclusion
While there is still much to learn about the link between vitamin D and breast cancer, the evidence suggests that vitamin D may play an important role in breast cancer prevention and treatment. Maintaining adequate levels of vitamin D through sunlight and dietary sources is important for overall health and may help reduce the risk of breast cancer.