According to a new study published in the Journal of Clinical Pathology women with more advanced stages of breast cancer have lower levels of Vitamin D in their blood. The study was conducted in London.
Researchers measured the levels of Vitamin D in 279 women with various stages of breast cancer. They wanted to determine if any coorelation existed between the vitamin and advanced disease. Earlier research had shown that Vitamin D had a role in breast cancer progression, with some studies even finding it prevented cellular reproduction.
Epidemiological studies also have found a connection between Vitamin D and breast cancer, primarily having to do with sun exposure. Women in higher altitudes and those with less sun exposure have higher rates of breast cancer. Vitamin D is believed to mediate this finding because the major source in humans is the chemical reaction in the skin as a result of UV light exposure.
They cannot conclude from this study which came first, advanced breast cancer or lower Vitamin D levels, but there is a definate relationship.
Women who are concerned abou their Vitamin D levels should get 20 minutes of sun exposure per day. Vitamin D is also found in dairy products, fish, and cod liver oil.
Posted by Dr. Christina Gutierrez on October 30, 2006 03:06 PM
