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Adequate vitamin D status may reduce the risk of breast cancerAn emerging body of high quality research is revealing the fundamental importance of vitamin D in human health, beyond its well known involvement in the regulation of calcium. In laboratory analysis vitamin D has been found to inhibit cell proliferation and increase natural cell death (apoptosis) in both normal and malignant breast cells; investigating this further, a new study has found a correlation between vitamin D status and the risk of breast cancer. Researchers analysed data from interviews and blood samples collected from 1,026 breast cancer patients and 1,075 healthy people. Plasma hydroxyvitamin D (25-OHD) levels, a measure of vitamin D status, correlated with breast cancer risk in a linear fashion i.e. rising concentrations of 25-OHD were associated with a parallel reduction in the risk of developing breast cancer. Average concentrations of 25-OHD was lower among the patients than among the healthy participants. The reduction in risk was more pronounced among postmenopausal women. The relationship between vitamin D status and breast cancer risk was the same for both hormone receptor positive and hormone receptor negative breast cancer. The results indicate that 25-OHD levels of 40ng/mL of blood or higher are associated with a decreased risk of developing breast cancer. Click here to read the study abstract.
In it's active form, 25-hydroxyvitamin D, vitamin D is vital for the maintenance of blood calcium levels. 25-OHD also inhibits the proliferation cells and stimulates cell differentiation (the process whereby cells become specialised to perfom specific functions); a number of genes are known to be regulated through the interaction of 25OHD and its receptors with DNA. Although at present no conclusive evidence exists, the research warrants the conduction of controlled clinical trials and a recommendation that everyone ensure that they get an adequate vitamin vitamin D intake or take a supplement containing 5-10�g. |