Nearly all Women with Breast Cancer are Also Vitamin D Deficient

 A shocking 96% of the breast cancer population is deficient in vitamin D. While research on the exact mechanisms of the sunshine vitamin's effect on breast cancer are ongoing, evidence consistently shows an association between vitamin D and regulating breast cell growth.

The link between the vitamin and breast cancer risk revolves around the VDR gene. This gene produces a protein called the vitamin D receptor, to which the active vitamin D binds. Mutations or changes in this gene affect vitamin D levels in the body. According to a research review, the same changes in the VDR gene were found to increase breast cancer risk. 

Evidence suggests the average person needs to consume 5,000 IU of vitamin D per day to reach the goal serum level of 50 ng/ml. Unfortunately, food sources high in vitamin D do not offer enough to help achieve this goal, unless you are consuming 10 cans of sardines a day. The most effective way to reach and sustain optimal vitamin D levels is by taking a high-quality supplement that delivers 5,000 IU of vitamin D. You can find a comprehensive supplement selection here.

Make sure you meet your vitamin D needs, even in the months of summer sunshine!

Sources:
Khan, Mohammed I et al. “Vitamin D receptor gene polymorphisms in breast and renal cancer: current state and future approaches (review).” International journal of oncology vol. 44,2 (2014): 349-63. doi:10.3892/ijo.2013.2204

“Almost All Women With Breast Cancer Are Also Vitamin D Deficient”, Morgan Chamberlain, MindBodyGreen