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Bright Idea For Preventing Breast Cancer

New health studies reveal that vitamin D may help fend off breast cancer

Some vitamins are famous for the work they do. Take vitamin C for example; its immune-boosting ability has made it a household name. Now it's vitamin D's turn to take the spotlight, and for a very good reason. Recent Canadian studies reveal that 'the sunshine vitamin' has a promising role in preventing breast cancer. Keep reading to find out how vitamin D combats cancer and how you can include this important nutrient in your daily regimen.

Cancer and Vitamin D.
Vitamin D deficiencies are common among breast cancer patients and those suffering from a lack of it often have more serious tumors, concludes a study by Dr. Pamela Goodwin, a senior investigator at the Samuel Lunenfeld Research Institute at Mount Sinai Hospital in Toronto. The study also revealed that insufficient levels of the vitamin may increase the risk of recurrence and can lower survival rates.

Meanwhile, another study concluded that having enough vitamin D during puberty while breasts are developing could be insurance against breast cancer later on. Lead by Dr. Julia Knight, also a senior investigator at the Samuel Lunenfeld Research Institute at Mount Sinai Hospital in Toronto, the study found that girls between the ages of 10 and 19 who were exposed to enough sunlight and consumed cod liver oil and milk had a lowered risk of the illness. Knight explains that sufficient levels of vitamin D early on may affect growing breast tissue in a way that makes it less prone to cancer.

The Canadian Cancer Society reports that vitamin D may also prevent other types of the illness, such as colorectal and prostate cancers, by slowing down cell division. "Part of cancer develops when you have uncontrolled cell division," Knight explains.

Even though the results of these studies are hopeful, it's still premature to take them completely to heart. "The data must be replicated by further studies before a solid recommendation can be made for women to change their lifestyle," says Tracey Phillips, Director of Pharmacy Services and Marketing at Rexall™. "I think the major takeaway is that women of all ages should pay greater attention to their vitamin D intake and ensure that, at a minimum, they are taking the daily recommended doses."

Catch some rays. The best source of vitamin D is that which our bodies make with the help of the sun. "UV rays from sunlight trigger vitamin D synthesis in the skin," explains Phillips. "However, care must be taken to balance this with sun safety."

To get a healthy dose, step into the sun at its peak for a short while (about 15 minutes) a few times a week with your arms and legs exposed. If you remain outside thereafter, protect yourself against the risk of skin cancer by applying sunscreen and wearing a wide-brimmed hat along with long-sleeved clothing.

Given our northern latitude, we don't always get enough sunlight to generate sufficient amounts of vitamin D. "In Canada, the sun's rays are not strong enough in the fall and winter for the skin to produce vitamin D," says Heather Chappell, Senior Manager, Cancer Control Policy at the Canadian Cancer Society. So, during the grayer months, it's best to rely on alternative sources to meet your daily requirements.

Other sources of vitamin D
Only a few foods, such as liver, egg yolk and fatty fish, naturally contain vitamin D, and select items are fortified with it, such as milk, many soy drinks and margarine. Even then, the amount they offer won't provide you with sufficient amounts of the vitamin. Therefore, for many people a supplement might be necessary. "When choosing the right dose, consider the vitamin D content of your diet and other supplements," says Phillips. "For example, if you are taking a daily multivitamin, many of these already contain 400 international units (IU) of vitamin D. Therefore, a supplement of 1,000 IU might be too much."

How much is enough?
There are mixed opinions about how much vitamin D you need every day. Currently, Health Canada's Dietary Reference Intake reports that adequate dietary intake for most adults is 200 international units (IU) a day; 400 IU for those over the age of 50.

However, last year the Canadian Cancer Society made a first-of-its-kind public recommendation that adults should take 1,000 IU a day during fall and winter when there's less sun. For those who are over 50, have darker skin or get little sunlight, they suggest taking 1,000 IU year-round.

To determine the best daily dose for you, ask your doctor to test your blood. "I would recommend that people might want to be checked in the winter, because that's when they're going to be at their lowest," says Knight. "Someone can have absolutely fine levels in the summer, but it doesn't mean they won't have low levels in the winter."