"The Sunshine Vitamin" and Prevention of Breast Cancer

Vitamin D is also known as the "Sunshine Vitamin". Vitamin D triggers the body's immune cells to produce antibodies, which promotes the strength of the immune system. Over 500 studies support Vitamin's D's role in immune health. Other benefits that the nutrient supports are the absorption of calcium for building strong bones and teeth, the maintenance of joint and muscle comfort, as well as the maintenance of a healthy mood.

Despite available food sources of vitamin D and the body's ability to self-produce this nutrient from sun exposure, vitamin D deficiency is a worldwide health problem, affecting people of all ages. "We continue to see poor Vitamin D levels among the U. S. population, with 70% or more of children and adults having insufficient vitamin D status" (U.S. National Center for Health Statics).

Optimal levels of Vitamin D (40-80 ng/ml) enhance the creation and functioning of healthy cells throughout the body. In addition to protecting the bones and boosting the immune system, studies show that Vitamin D helps prevent certain cancers, including breast, ovarian, prostate and colorectal. New research shows that, in the United States alone, thousands of new cases of breast cancer could be prevented every year if more women had optimal levels of Vitamin D. [Garland, C.F., et al. 2009 Vitamin D for cancer prevention: global perspective, Ann Epidemiol, Jul; 19(7):468-83]

This study conducted by Cedric Garland and other prominent vitamin D researchers determined that women with Vitamin D levels above 52 ng/ml have half the risk of developing breast cancer as those with 13 ng/ml! Garland (et al) estimates that 58,000 new cases of breast cancer in the United States could be prevented per year by raising vitamin D levels to 52 ng/ml. Imagine what the global impact could be!

Five years ago, a range of 20-100 ng/ml was considered normal. Just recently, this range was raised to 32-100 ng/ml. Too often women are told that their levels are normal, which is not the same as optimal. A simple blood test can reveal your actual Vitamin D level.

If you're deficient, the best way to boost your vitamin D quickly is to supplement with Vitamin D3. Initially, you may need to take 5,000 IU's or more per day. After establishing a healthy level, supplementing with 1,000 to 2,000 IU's per day may be all that's needed.

Dr. Schoen keeps a close watch on the vitamin D level of her patients. LabCorp is the lab of choice because of their method of measurement. See the information Dr. Cannell provides about the methods of measuring 25(OH)D.

Further Research: Vitamin D Council

Vitamin D and prevention of breast cancer research

More to come!

This is the first posting for the office blog of Joya Lynn-Schoen, M.D., Complementary and Alternative Medical Doctor in Winter Park Florida. Visit our website, drj.org.