Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers in women. While there are various reasons for this, it is also said that vitamin D deficiency may increase the risk of breast cancer. Vitamin D may play a role in regulating normal breast cell growth. It can prevent breast cancer cells from growing. Therefore, it is said that women with low levels of vitamin D have a higher risk of breast cancer. Let’s find out about this.
What is the role of vitamin D in the body?
Vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium. It is essential for bone health. Regulates blood levels of calcium and phosphorus. And they are essential for the functioning of the immune, muscular and nervous systems. Research has linked many of the health problems that vitamin D deficiency can cause.
- Sleep disturbance
- Diabetics
- high blood pressure
- Muscle weakness
- Accidents
- Frequent falls
- Multiple Sclerosis
- Osteoporosis
Is there a link between vitamin D deficiency and breast cancer?
Population studies have shown that low vitamin D is associated with breast cancer risk and high levels of vitamin D suggest a protective relationship between breast cancer. Additionally, studies on breast cancer and vitamin D have shown that increased sun exposure is linked to increased breast cancer incidence and breast cancer mortality.
Vitamin D may affect breast cancer development through multiple mechanisms. It controls normal breast cell growth. Reduces cancer cell growth. Reduces the conversion of androgens to estrogens. Decreases serum estrogen levels. High estrogen levels are significantly associated with breast cancer risk.
Does vitamin D help prevent breast cancer?
Studies are conflicting about whether or not vitamin D can prevent cancer. A 2010 analysis found that women with the highest blood levels of vitamin D had a 45% reduced risk of breast cancer compared to women with the lowest blood levels of vitamin D. Several studies have shown similar results.
Meanwhile, a comprehensive 2022 review found no benefit to using vitamins as a preventative measure against cancer. This review from 2018 found that the evidence that vitamin D can be used in a preventive way is not conclusive. And there isn’t strong data to support that taking vitamin D can prevent breast cancer. Studies have shown that normal vitamin D levels may be helpful in the long term if breast cancer is treated with anti-estrogen therapy at the same time. And more clinical trials need to be done to determine the direct link between breast cancer development.
Maintaining proper levels of vitamin D is good for breast cancer
Research on vitamin D in cancer and its link to cancer has been ongoing for some time. Animal studies have suggested that vitamin D deficiency may increase breast cancer risk and that high levels of the micronutrient may be linked to cancer outcomes.
Maintaining vitamin D levels can improve treatment if breast cancer is diagnosed. Especially for those treated with anti-estrogen therapies.
How to get Vitamin D?
Vitamin D differs from other micronutrients. The body when the skin is exposed to UVB radiation from the sun
Produces vitamin D. Although India is a tropical country, vitamin D production has been found to be low due to the use of sunscreen to avoid sun damage. Although vitamin D is mostly obtained from sun-drenched foods, vitamin D-fortified products such as milk, yogurt, certain breakfast cereals, and vitamin D supplements can be added.
Can taking vitamin D supplements help prevent breast cancer?
Although there is a link between low levels of vitamin D and breast cancer risk, most studies do not show that taking vitamin D supplements reduces breast cancer risk. So more studies are needed to confirm this.
