High Vitamin D Levels Combat Breast Cancer and Improve Survival Rates

The past few years have featured long and cold winters, which means vitamin consumption is important. A lack of sun exposure can deprive us from nutrients that are essential for our bodies and it can especially affect breast cancer patients.

The sun's rays provide us with a sufficient amount of vitamin D during the summertime, but as the weather turns cold we receive less and less through this natural fashion. As a result, many turn to either consuming vitamin D-rich foods or simply take a vitamin D supplement. This is particularly important for breast cancer patients; a recent study revealed that higher levels of vitamin D were associated with survival rates.

Vitamin D assists the body in absorbing calcium to promote strong bones and better overall health. Additionally, it helps improve muscle movement, assists nerves that carry messages to brain, and aids the immune system in fighting off bacteria and viruses. Those who have low levels of vitamin D can develop soft, thin, and brittle bones, which can be detrimental to those with cancer.

The University of California, San Diego School of Medicine conducted five separate studies involving nearly 4,500 breast cancer patients and analyzed their vitamin D levels, focusing on each patient for an average of nine years. The researchers found that women with high levels of vitamin D were twice as likely to survive from the breast cancer, and believe that vitamin D strengthens cell communication and helps prevent aggressive cell division.

The recommended amount of vitamin D for adults aged 19-70 years old is 600 IU (international units) each day, according to the Food and Nutrition Board. IU's can be determined by looking at the back of the supplement bottle, but 1 IU of vitamin D is equivalent to .025 micrograms. The best food sources of vitamin D include fatty fishes such as salmon, tuna, and mackerel.

The researchers acknowledge that more trials need to be conducted on this issue, but it certainly can only help of you maintain your vitamin D levels. To read more about the study, visit this Fox News article.