Recent studies have shown a strong link between animal protein and cancer, reinforcing the idea that protein that comes from animals is harmful to the human body, but a new study reveals something that will completely change the way we treat breast cancer – it appears that high level of vitamin D increase breast cancer survival.
Vitamin D reduces the occurrence of bone fractures, depression and heart disease and a new study performed by the scientists at the University of California and the San Diego School of Medicine reveals that patients with increased levels of vitamin D in their systems are twice more likely to survive breast cancer than patients with low levels of vitamin D.
This new find, published in the Anticancer Research Journal, is absolutely amazing and if further studies reinforce it, it will give the world new hope. Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin and it helps with the absorption of calcium and phosphorus. The main source of vitamin D is the sun but it is also available in small amounts in certain foods, such as fish, eggs and fortified margarine and butter. The best way to get your vitamin D is to lather on some sunscreen (not SPF 50 because you won’t absorb it at all) and sit in the sun. Or if you prefer, you can boost your vitamin D levels through supplements.
Vitamin D and Breast Cancer Survival
Past studies have shown an association between low vitamin D levels and occurrence of premenopausal breast cancer, which lead the team of scientist to research the matter further. The study included almost 4,500 patients with breast cancer and it was performed from 1966 until 2010 and all the patients were followed for about 9 years, each.
It appears that the breast cancer survival rate is 50% higher in patients with high vitamin D in their blood. Apparently the vitamin D increases communication between cells by stimulating the production of a protein that stops aggressive cell multiplication.
Further studies need to be performed before vitamin D is given as an adjuvant in breast cancer. What are your thoughts on this?