Very strong scientific data exists to show that low vitamin D levels increase the risk of breast cancer. In fact, in women with the highest vitamin D status the risk of breast cancer is reduced by 50%. Based on the data analyzed, if all women in the US took 4000IU of Vitamin D daily, over 100,000 cases of breast cancer may be prevented per year. This dose is higher than the currently recommended daily amount of vitamin D (the RDA will likely be increased in the near future), and people taking this higher dosage should have their blood levels monitored.
Even with normal blood levels of vitamin D there can still be problems. Genetic variations in the vitamin D receptor have been identified, which alter how the cells utilize vitamin D. Some of these variations have been associated with an increase in the risk for breast cancer and may also be associated with an increased risk of metastases. This type of research has only become possible since the Human Genome Project cloned human DNA in 2001. There is a great deal of research in this area and we expect to know much more in the near future. At the present, serum levels of vitamin D are a good place to start, but an even better test is the Funtional Intracellular Analysis which identifies if the cells are deficient in vitamin D. If the blood level is normal, but the functional test shows a cellular deficiency, this is clue that there may be a vitamin D receptor problem and doses of vitamin D larger than the current RDA may be required. For women identified with low vitamin D status or with a family history of breast cancer or osteoporosis, vitamin D receptor testing is currently available through Signature Wellness. |
