Research suggests that women with low levels of vitamin D have a higher risk of breast cancer. Vitamin D may play a role in controlling normal breast cell growth and may be able to stop breast cancer cells from growing. Vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium, which is essential for good bone health.
Our data suggest that increases in vitamin D and calcium intakes are associated with decreases in mammographic breast densities, which have been associated with decreased risk of breast cancer in other studies.
Several lines of evidence suggest that vitamin D may play a role in breast density and breast carcinogenesis. Vitamin D reduces proliferation and promotes differentiation and apoptosis in breast cells in culture.
A Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center study involving postmenopausal, overweight, and obese women who took 2,000 IUs of vitamin D daily for a year found that those whose vitamin D blood levels increased the most had the greatest reductions in blood estrogens, which are a known risk factor for breast cancer.
The Importance of Vitamin D
Estrogen imbalance: Vitamin D deficiency may lead to lowered estrogen levels, which can cause depression, hot flashes, mood swings and more. Impaired immune system: Vitamin D deficiency may lead to an impaired immune system, putting women at an increased risk of infection and illness.
A deficiency in vitamin D can lead to lower estrogen levels, which can cause depression, hot flashes, mood swings, and much more. Parathyroid hormone imbalance. A vitamin D deficiency limits your body's ability to regulate calcium levels, which your parathyroid controls.
Scientists believe vitamin D may play a crucial role in moderating breast cell growth, specifically stopping the growth of cancer cells. Learn more about how vitamin D benefits breast health and how to get it.
Parathyroid hormone increases the activity of the enzyme (catalyst) that produces active vitamin D. This increase in the concentration of calcium together with vitamin D feeds back to the parathyroid glands to stop further parathyroid hormone release.
Factors associated with higher breast density include using menopausal hormone therapy and having a low body mass index.
An increase in breast density often is seen in women taking exogenous hormones such as hormonal replacement therapy. Having conditions that change the fluid status of the body, such as heart failure or renal failure, can also change the person's breast density.
Research suggests that women with low levels of vitamin D have a higher risk of breast cancer. Vitamin D may play a role in controlling normal breast cell growth and may be able to stop breast cancer cells from growing. Vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium, which is essential for good bone health.
Can I change my breast density? No — breast density is determined by genetics, age, menopause status and family history. Weight gain and certain medications can also influence your breast density.
Mammographic density is a strong risk factor for breast cancer, but the underlying biology for this association is unknown. Studies suggest that vitamin D may reduce breast cancer risk and dietary vitamin D intake has been associated with reduced breast density.
But a recent study indicates vitamin D—specifically, vitamin D3—can even help reduce the risk of breast cancer. Breast cancer is the most common non-skin type of cancer in women, and, the researchers of the study say, there has been progress in detecting and treating the disease.
Magnesium Key Role in Sex Hormone Production
Magnesium has been shown in many studies to be a regulating mineral. If your estrogen levels are too high or too low, then magnesium can help bring them back to stable levels, which will positively impact testosterone and progesterone.
Due to estrogen dominance, it also becomes difficult to get rid of all the fat in the body. Swollen or tender breasts: High levels of estrogen in the body can make one's breast more tender and swollen especially around the nipples and front area.
Adequate levels of Vitamin D in the body is essential to regulating normal body functions, especially those related to hormonal imbalance. Although Vitamin D can help with hormonal imbalances at any age, the use of this supplement is usually recommended for aging peoples.
Vitamin D is best known as a nutrient; however, what most people don't know is that vitamin D is also considered to be a pro-hormone which means that your body can convert it into a hormone.
Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant needed to make collagen. Thus, the less vitamin C you get, the less collagen and elastin are produced to support your skin and the higher the chances for the breasts to sag. Also, vitamin B is essential for your body to build supportive elastic tissues.
The main consequence of vitamin D toxicity is a buildup of calcium in your blood (hypercalcemia), which can cause nausea and vomiting, weakness, and frequent urination. Vitamin D toxicity might progress to bone pain and kidney problems, such as the formation of calcium stones.
Very high levels of vitamin D in your blood (greater than 375 nmol/L or 150 ng/mL) can cause nausea, vomiting, muscle weakness, confusion, pain, loss of appetite, dehydration, excessive urination and thirst, and kidney stones.
Antacids -- Taking certain antacids for long periods of time may alter the levels, metabolism, and availability of vitamin D. Calcium channel blockers (such as verapamil ) -- These medications, used to treat high blood pressure and heart conditions, may decrease the production of vitamin D by the body.