A recently published study finds low blood levels of vitamin D may promote more aggressive breast tumors.
The relationship between between low vitamin D levels and higher risk of developing breast cancer has been previously documented in numerous studies. Women with inadequate intake of Viamin D or with low blood levels (below 55ng/ml) have very poor prognosis and higher risk of metastatic disease and death from breast cancer.
This study from a team at the University of Rochester Medical Center (URMC), is one of the first to look for links between vitamin D blood levels and the risk for aggressive tumors in women already diagnosed with breast cancer.
This study highlights the importance of testing vitamin D levels in women diagnosed with breast cancer. If needed, Vitamin D should be supplemented and blood levels should be monitored. According to Michael Holick, M.D., authority on Vitamin D, immune modulating and cancer protective levels are between 55ng/ml-80ng/ml. More aggressive forms of breast cancer include Her2neu positive breast cancers. as well as triple negative breast cancers ( tumors which do not have receptors for estrogen, progesterone or Her2neu.)
This study links low vitamin D levels to a higher risk for aggressive breast cancers.
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