the link between this vitamin and cancer.
Bone health, which is frequently a concern for those with breast cancer, is one reason for the requirement for monitoring.
Vitamin D levels are decreased by therapies like chemotherapy and aromatase inhibitors, which reduce calcium absorption and raise the risk of osteoporosis.
Prevention of Breast Cancer
According to research, vitamin D deficiency raises the risk of breast cancer. However, the therapeutic advantage of using supplements to prevent breast cancer is not clearly demonstrated.
Over the past ten years, there has been a rise in both the use of supplements and screening for vitamin D deficiency.
Medical professionals and individuals have observed several advantages of vitamin D supplementation, such as:
- Inflammatory-reducing qualities
- Qualities that prevent cancer from spreading
- Bone health
- Better heart health
- Low price
- Little to no negative consequences or side effects
RELATED: 4 Things Robbing You Of Vitamin D
Vitamin D and Additional Cancers
Ongoing studies on vitamin D and cancer prevention are being conducted. One area of concern is whether some cancers are more susceptible to vitamin D supplementation than others.
Numerous studies link low vitamin D levels to an increased risk of many malignancies, including:
- Colorectal
- Kidney
- Lung
- Pancreatic
- Prostate
- Blood cancers
Overall Health
Having a vitamin D deficit might harm your general health. Vitamin D is required by your body to maintain healthy skeletal, muscular, immunological, neurological, and reproductive systems.
The body uses vitamin D for a variety of functions, including:
- Aiding the stomach’s absorption of calcium and phosphorus to promote bone growth and repair
- Supporting muscle movement
- Allowing the brain to receive information from nerves
- Inflammation reduction
- Promoting cell division and growth
Lack of vitamin D can lead to a variety of health issues, including:
- Depression
- Sleep problems
- Diabetes
- Heart problems
- Reduced muscular strength
- Disorders of the neuromuscular system, including multiple sclerosis
- Higher infection rates
- (In children) Rickets
RELATED: Vitamin D Deficiency Could Raise Colon Cancer Risk in Black Women
Summary
Vitamin D is created by the body when exposed to sunlight. It can also be taken as a supplement in some foods.
The relationship between vitamin D levels and breast cancer is controversial. However, studies have shown that individuals with breast cancer have a higher prevalence of low vitamin D levels.
Vitamin D has additional advantages for those attempting to reduce their risk of breast cancer and those undergoing cancer treatment.