Vitamin K2 And Estrogen Positive Breast Cancer Worsening
Estrogen positive breast cancer is a type of breast cancer that grows in response to the hormone estrogen. It is the most common type of breast cancer, accounting for around 80% of all cases. While there are many factors that can contribute to breast cancer, including genetics, age, and lifestyle, recent research has shown that vitamin K2 may play a role in the development and progression of estrogen positive breast cancer.
What is Vitamin K2?
Vitamin K2 is a fat-soluble vitamin that is essential for many bodily functions, including blood clotting and bone health. It is also involved in the regulation of cell growth and differentiation, which is why it has been studied for its potential role in cancer.
There are two main forms of vitamin K: K1 and K2. Vitamin K1 is found in leafy green vegetables and is important for blood clotting. Vitamin K2, on the other hand, is found in animal products and fermented foods, and is important for bone health and may also have anti-cancer properties.
The Link Between Vitamin K2 and Breast Cancer
Several studies have suggested that vitamin K2 may have anti-cancer properties, particularly in relation to breast cancer. One study found that women who had higher levels of vitamin K2 in their diet had a lower risk of developing breast cancer. Another study found that vitamin K2 may help to inhibit the growth of breast cancer cells.
However, more recent research has suggested that the relationship between vitamin K2 and breast cancer may be more complex than originally thought. In particular, there is evidence to suggest that vitamin K2 may have different effects depending on the type of breast cancer.
Vitamin K2 and Estrogen Positive Breast Cancer
Estrogen positive breast cancer is the most common type of breast cancer, and it is known to be fueled by the hormone estrogen. Recent research has suggested that vitamin K2 may actually promote the growth of estrogen positive breast cancer cells.
One study found that vitamin K2 increased the proliferation of estrogen positive breast cancer cells in vitro. Another study found that women who had higher levels of vitamin K2 in their blood were more likely to develop estrogen positive breast cancer.
Why Does Vitamin K2 Promote Estrogen Positive Breast Cancer?
The exact mechanism by which vitamin K2 promotes the growth of estrogen positive breast cancer cells is not fully understood. However, it is thought to be related to the way that vitamin K2 interacts with other hormones in the body.
Estrogen positive breast cancer cells have receptors on their surface that allow them to bind to estrogen. When estrogen binds to these receptors, it triggers the cells to grow and divide. Vitamin K2 has been shown to increase the expression of these estrogen receptors, which may explain why it promotes the growth of estrogen positive breast cancer cells.
What Does This Mean for Breast Cancer Patients?
The link between vitamin K2 and estrogen positive breast cancer is still a relatively new area of research, and more studies are needed to fully understand the relationship between the two. However, the evidence so far suggests that women with estrogen positive breast cancer may want to be cautious about taking vitamin K2 supplements.
It is important to note that the studies that have linked vitamin K2 to estrogen positive breast cancer have mostly been observational studies, which means that they cannot establish cause and effect. It is also possible that other factors, such as diet or lifestyle, may be responsible for the observed link.
Conclusion
While vitamin K2 has been studied extensively for its potential health benefits, recent research has suggested that it may have different effects on different types of breast cancer. In particular, there is evidence to suggest that vitamin K2 may promote the growth of estrogen positive breast cancer cells.
More research is needed to fully understand the relationship between vitamin K2 and breast cancer, and to determine whether vitamin K2 supplements are safe for women with estrogen positive breast cancer. In the meantime, women with breast cancer should talk to their doctor before taking any vitamin supplements.