Your Vit D levels are good! It's strange they are telling you to stop the Vitamin D. What is the rationale? Because of rhuematology or osteoporosis? I see a specialist in osteoporosis and she has me on the Vit D, plus Calcium (Citracel) with magnesium.
Donna
DX IDC TNBC 6/09 age 49, Stage 1,Grade 3, 1.5cm,0/5Nodes,KI-67 48%,BRCA-,6/09bi-mx, recon, T/C X4(9/09) 11/10 Recur IM node, Gem,Carb,Iniparib 12/10,MRI NED 2/11,IMRT Radsx40,CT NED11/13,MRI NED3/15
Healthy vitamin D levels associated with significant decrease in cancer risk among women
A recent pooled analysis of a randomized trial and prospective cohort study determined that women with vitamin D levels of at least 40 ng/ml were associated with > 65% reduced risk of developing cancer. . . .
. . . . The researchers pooled data from both cohorts and compared the incidence of cancer with the subsequent vitamin D concentration over a median if 3.9 years. All types of cancers were included in the analysis, with the exception of non-melanoma skin cancer.
Did the researchers find a relationship between vitamin D status and cancer incidence in women? Here is what they found:
The median baseline vitamin D status was 28 ng/ml in the Lappe cohort and 43 ng/ml in the GrassrootsHealth cohort (p<0.0001).
There was a total of 840 cases of cancer per 100,000 individuals in the combined cohort (1,020/100,000 persons in Lappe cohort and 722/100,000 individuals in GrassrootsHealth cohort).
Cancer incidence was lower for individuals with higher levels of vitamin D.
At baseline, there was a 77% decreased incidence rate of cancer for those with levels > 40 ng/ml compared to those with < 20 ng/ml.
The greatest decrease in cancer risk occurred between 10–40 ng/ml, with a further beneficial effect at levels ≥40 ng/ml.
A 25(OH)D > 40 ng/ml was associated with a 67% decreased risk of cancer compared to those with a vitamin D status of < 20 ng/ml, after adjusting for several cofactors (age, BMI, smoking and calcium supplementation).
The researchers summarized their findings,
“We found a clear association between 25(OH)D serum concentration and cancer risk, according to multiple types of analyses. These results suggest the importance of vitamin D for the prevention of cancer.”
As always, it is important to note the limitations to this study. The use of self-reported data may result in recall bias, potentially skewing the results. Additionally, not all covariates could be accounted for. Furthermore, the analysis did not have the power to evaluate the role of vitamin D status on specific cancer types. Lastly, the study showed the relationship between vitamin D and cancer risk specifically among non-Hispanic, white women 55 years and older; therefore, the results may not be generalizable to other target populations.
The researchers concluded,
“Primary prevention of cancer, rather than solely expanding early detection or improving treatment, will be essential for reversing the current upward trend of cancer incidence worldwide; this analysis suggests that improving vitamin D status is a key prevention tool.”
Good Morning, Donna. Sorry for the delay of my reply; I've been having trouble getting my posts through. I haven't spoken with my Dr. yet; got word of her request for me to stop Vit. D through her nurse. The only reason I can think of is The Endocrine Society says as little as 30 ng/ml is sufficient, lower than the Vit. D Council. I'll be talking with her soon and will post, but I don't intend to stop my Vit. D supplement!
Low vitamin D status related to low rate of DNA methylation, according to new study
A recent study found that vitamin D status was positively associated with DNA methylation in African Americans. DNA methylation is a mechanism used by cells to regulate gene expression. Research has linked abnormal DNA methylation to various adverse health outcomes, such as cancers. The study also found that vitamin D3 supplementation increases DNA methylation in a dose-response manner in African Americans with vitamin D deficiency.
It just dawned on me I had not gotten back with you on the Vit. D3 issue with my Rhumatologist who advised me to stop my supplements. Her only reasoning was to keep my level from getting too high. It had gotten up to 80 ng/ml one time and my primary care doctor had me cut back, as the reference range at his lab was possible toxicity above 80. My blood level seems steady right now at 54 ng/ml, which I've read is a good level for Breast Cancer patients, or former patients. You probably have access to this information with all your research. I take a 5000 mg. D3 supplement every other day. If you have further information on this, I'd be interested.
Hope you are having a good day. I had my vitamin D level checked last week. It was at 50. I take 4000 IU per day and have done so for the last several years. I am very pleased with this level since it had been 2 years since I had it checked. Being a 10 year survivor, I will continue on with the Vit. D3.
Donna, hope you are well also.
God Bless,
Lillie
Dx 6/06 age 65,IDC-TNBC Stage IIb,Gr3,2cm,BRCA- 6/06 L/Mast/w/SNB,1of3 Nodes+ 6/06 Axl. 9 nodes- 8/8 thru 11/15 Chemo (Clin-Trial) DD A/Cx4 -- DD taxol+gemzar x4 No Rads. No RECON - 11/2018-12 yrs NED
Vitamin D May Increase Survival for Breast Cancer Patients
Researchers have previously suggested that vitamin D might be beneficial in treating cancer.
Some studies have suggested that the active metabolite of vitaminD - known as calcitriol - may be anticancerous. Administering calcitriol in mice has been shown to stop the proliferation and growth of cancer cells, reduce tumor blood vessel formation, and stimulate cell death.
Although there are not yet enough clinical trials in humans to prove this, some clinical and preclinical studies indicate that avoiding vitamin D deficiency and taking vitamin D supplements might be a cost-effective and safe way to prevent cancer and improve prognosis in patients already diagnosed with the illness.
Associating vitamin D with breast cancer survival rates
A new study led by Dr. Song Yao, from the Roswell Park Cancer Institute in Buffalo in New York, analyzed data from 1,666 women diagnosed with breast cancer.
The patients had participated in the Pathways Study, a cohort study of breast cancer survivors established in 2006 at Kaiser Permanente Northern California.
Researchers looked at levels of the vitamin D biomarker 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) at the time of the diagnosis, and associated them with survival prognosis.
As part of the Pathways Study follow-up, patients were checked for comorbidities and overall health at regular intervals: 12, 24, 48, 72, and 96 months.
The researchers analyzed the data for over a year, from January 5, 2014, to March 15, 2015, and the results were published in the journal JAMA Oncology.
The average age of the patients monitored was 58.7 years. Overall, half of the patients were vitamin D deficient, and over a third had insufficient levels of vitamin D.
Researchers found a lower level of the vitamin D biomarker in women with advanced-stage tumors. The lowest levels were found in premenopausal women with triple-negative cancer.
Triple-negative breast cancer is a type of cancer that tests negative for estrogen receptors, progesterone receptors, and HER2 protein.
Levels of 25OHD were also inversely proportional to disease progression and death rates.
Lower levels of 25OHD were associated with higher tumor stage and grade, and women with the highest levels of 25OHD had higher survival rates overall.
Levels of 25OHD also increased proportionally with vitamin D dietary and supplemental intake.
"Our findings provide compelling observational evidence for inverse associations between vitamin D levels and risk of breast cancer progression and death," the authors conclude.
Higher Levels of Vitamin D Linked to Improved Survival in Breast Cancer Patients
Breast Cancer patients with higher vitamin D levels at the time they’re diagnosed showed significantly better outcomes in the long-term, according to a new research study from Kaiser Permanente and Roswell Park Cancer Institute.
Vitamin D is a nutrient famous for its role in preserving healthy bones. The most well-known sources of vitamin D include sunlight, fatty fish oils, and nutritional supplements, in addition to fortified milk and cereals.
While the full connection between vitamin D and breast cancer outcomes is not fully understood, a deficiency of vitamin D was thought to influence the outcomes of breast cancer survivors in the long run.
Long associated with the risk for several cancers, vitamin D is believed to be involved in promoting the normal development of mammary cells, as well as in inhibiting the proliferation of cancer cells.
Thanks, Donna! It's so useful to see this, because we can pass this info on to everyone we love.
I admit, I personally find these results a bit discouraging regarding my own case, because all of these studies seem to indicate that low levels of vitamin D AT DIAGNOSIS results in a poor prognosis. I was tested soon after diagnosis, and my levels were low. Since then, I've been supplementing and getting more direct sun without sunblock, and my levels are on the rise. However, these studies don't really indicate that getting your levels up AFTER diagnosis affects your prognosis, do they? I'm not saying that I'll stop trying--it seems logical to me that getting/keeping my levels up can only be a good thing. But it mostly seems important that healthy people make sure their levels are up, in advance of a diagnosis. Fingers crossed it helps!
Tulips
Dx April 2015 IDC TN 2.2 cm, Grade 3, Chemo started May 2015: Taxol/Carbo then AC, Lx with SNB Nov 2015, 33 Rad Dec 2015-Feb 2016. 6 months Capecitabine starting March 2016
My wife takes the Vit D, I bought (2) bottles yesterday at RiteAid, 1000mg, buy one get one free, that's still $8.50 /bottle, but I am sure it helps. I want everyone to know, in 2008, my wife had chemo and it took her 12-16 months to get red blood cell counts back...
This year, she took Vit B-12 and Folic Acid pills, and I am sure it was instrumental in her red-blood-cell-count coming back much sooner... fyi
I read somewhere that almost all TNBC are deficient at diagnosis for Vitamin D. Maybe this contributes to TNBC's poor prognosis? I don't know if it's the chicken or egg scenario, but there seems to be a connection. I think it's important for everyone to know their Vit D level, just like cholesterol and blood pressure. Vit D is more than a vitamin, it's a hormone that helps regulate the body. As one of my oncs told me, being deficient is never a good thing. After treatment the first time I found out I was deficient and got my levels up - it took several months. I still had a recurrence but maybe having normal levels for the 2nd diagnosis helped treatment be more effective? It's a simple blood test that everyone should get so they know their Vit D levels. I'm so glad my primary doctor includes it in my annual lab work so that I can monitor my level and make sure it's where I want it to be.
Donna
DX IDC TNBC 6/09 age 49, Stage 1,Grade 3, 1.5cm,0/5Nodes,KI-67 48%,BRCA-,6/09bi-mx, recon, T/C X4(9/09) 11/10 Recur IM node, Gem,Carb,Iniparib 12/10,MRI NED 2/11,IMRT Radsx40,CT NED11/13,MRI NED3/15
Sounds like perfect advice, Donna & Gordon. It can only help us to get those levels up!
Edited by Tulips - Dec 10 2016 at 10:26am
Dx April 2015 IDC TN 2.2 cm, Grade 3, Chemo started May 2015: Taxol/Carbo then AC, Lx with SNB Nov 2015, 33 Rad Dec 2015-Feb 2016. 6 months Capecitabine starting March 2016
Gordon, the RDA is 1,000 a day however I found early on that for Tneg patients that's not enough. I've been taking 4,000 IU a day for 6 years now and that maintains the level I need to have (I aim for low 60's). Also, the D should be taken with a CalMag supplement for absorption. Best of luck to you both. Mainy
Thank you all for your replies. my wife is taking 1000mg/ per day of Vitamin D, I will talk to her and see if she needs to be taking more.
I checked prices on Amazon for vitamin suppliers we trust ...and have researched their additives, and etc...the Riteaid 2-for-1 is good value only with that promotion...but Amazon has a good price that should be compared: 'Source Naturals' and '21st Century' both have a competitive price. I have researched both companies, and they have good reviews, as far as not sourcing ingredients from China.
Thank you for reminding us to take CalMagZinc. That is very much appreciated.
Gordon, the research is really important, glad you have found a couple you like. I called Carlson and asked them where they sourced their D from and they said not from China but from New Zealand...I have used the 4,000 IU Carlson for about 6 years now. Yesterday I broke my habit and bought a bottle of the liquid D so we'll see how that works !
Thank you for your imput, I have not heard of Carlson (Vitamins, I assume) I will research. I didn't know vitamin supplements from New Zealand are a problem. China, for sure, we want to know, because we don't want to buy anything consumable from China. If you don't believe me, try googling "farm -raised tilapia in China" and notice the chicken cages sit on top of the fish ponds.
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