Facets: Breast Cancer & Vitamin D3

By TLB Contributor: Ken LaRive

Back in the middle nineties scientists from the University of California at San Diego did a major study on the affects that sunlight played on breast cancer. They noted the possibility that low vitamin D might play a part. It has been known for some time that sunlight is the catalyst for the manufacturing of vitamin D in the human body, but the affects of having a depleted amount was not understood.

What got their attention was the blaring connection between the amount of sunlight and breast cancer from the snow bound north to sunny Florida. The link was vitamin D3.

They compared their studies with other studies done in the USSR and found that woman there were three times more likely to develop breast cancer in less sunny regions. Conclusions matched, and they both agreed on the vitamin D link.

The National Cancer Institute is guardedly skeptical, but that is their nature. They have made the link of calcium absorption with the amount of vitamin D, and that is extremely interesting for those who are prone to Obstreperousness. They think more study is necessary, but you will have to be the judge.

• Vitamin D is essential for the formation, growth, and repair of bones and for normal calcium absorption and immune function. It is obtained primarily through exposure of the skin to ultraviolet radiation in sunlight, but it can also be obtained from some foods and dietary supplements (see Questions 1 and 4).
• Some studies suggest that higher intakes of vitamin D from food and/or supplements and higher levels of vitamin D in the blood are associated with reduced risks of colorectal cancer; however, the research results overall have been inconsistent (see Question 7).
• Whether vitamin D is associated with reduced risks of other cancers, including breast, prostate, and pancreatic cancers, remains unclear (see Questions 8, 9, 10, and 11).
• The National Cancer Institute (NCI) does not recommend for or against the use of vitamin D supplements to reduce the risk of colorectal or any other type of cancer (see Question 14).

Note: The information in this fact sheet is not to be used as the basis for making health claims about products containing vitamin D.

Vitamin D is involved in a number of processes that are essential for good health, including the following:

• It helps improve muscle strength and immune function.
• It helps reduce inflammation.
• It promotes the absorption of calcium from the small intestine.
• It helps maintain adequate blood levels of the calcium and phosphate needed for bone formation, mineralization (incorporating minerals to increase strength and density), growth, and repair (1–3).

Author’s note: A year ago my wife was having problems with muscle spasms while at the gym, and nothing seemed to help. She tried stretching exercises, yoga, to deep massage, but it progressively got worse. I searched the internet and found a correlation with vitamin D3 and exercise… She was tested and found to have a major deficiency in D3, and in one week she was back to her normal self. She takes one dosage prescribed by the doctor every week.

Also, sunlight in moderation too, but wouldn’t it be amazing to link skin cancer to vitamin D3 deficiency too? Every woman, especially white women, should be tested for this deficiency, as standard practice.

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