TurnTo23.com

 
Move It
Related To Story

Vitamin D Analyzed In Breast Cancer Patients

POSTED: 3:25 pm PDT October 9, 2009
UPDATED: 4:20 pm PDT October 9, 2009

Vitamin D, found in milk, eggs, fish, and exposure to sunlight, is well known to play an essential role in cell growth, in boosting the body's immune system, and in strengthening bones.

Women with breast cancer are even more likely to have low levels of vitamin D and this can contribute to accelerated bone loss and an increased risk for bone fractures.

Researchers at the University of Rochester tested vitamin D levels in 166 women undergoing breast cancer treatment and found that 70 percent of them had low levels of vitamin D. For those with late-stage breast cancer, average levels were even lower.

In order to bring patients' vitamin D levels up to an optimal level, researchers gave them high doses of vitamin D supplements equivalent to more than 10 times the recommended value for healthy individuals. These high doses, when given weekly, were able to improve vitamin D levels for these patients.

Given these findings, researchers recommended that women with breast cancer work with their doctors to safely increase their intake of vitamin D as excessive doses of this nutrient can be toxic.
The following are comments from our users. Opinions expressed are neither created nor endorsed by TurnTo23.com. By posting your comments you agree to accept our Terms of Use. To report an offensive or otherwise inappropriate comment, click the "Flag" link that appears beneath that comment. Flagging a comment will send it to our editorial staff for review.

Links We Like

Sponsored Content
Living well with type-1 or type-2 diabetes can be easier than you might think. Use our diabetes resource guide. More

Employers generally have options when it comes to hiring. Makes sure you present yourself as professionally as possible, or else. More

You can pick your friends, but not your family -- or your neighbors. Here's what you need to know about how to deal with yours. More

The signs of Cancer can sometimes be very subtle. Here's a guide to help you recognize them early. More

Sponsored Links

Share Your Pics & Vids

This content requires the latest Adobe Flash Player and a browser with JavaScript enabled. Click here for a free download of the latest Adobe Flash Player.