Vitamin D Important Factor in Aggressive Breast Cancer Prevention and Treatment

Breast cancer strikes more than one-quarter of a million women in the US each year, taking the lives of nearly 40,000 annually. While age, lifestyle, diet and physical activity all play a significant role in development of the disease, an estimated fifteen percent of women fall victim due to genetic susceptibility. Current treatment options include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, immunotherapy, and vaccine therapy, though extensive research clearly demonstrates that natural compounds, including vitamin D may play an effective role in the prevention and even treatment of breast cancer.

Researchers from Saint Louis University have discovered a molecular pathway that contributes to triple-negative breast cancer, an often deadly and treatment resistant form of cancer that tends to strike younger women. Publishing in The Journal of Cell Biology, scientists identified vitamin D and some protease inhibitors as possible new therapies. Additionally, the study team discovered a set of three biomarkers that can help to identify patients who could benefit from the treatment.

Vitamin D alters gene expression to prevent deadly mutations and lower breast cancer risk

Scientists know that women who are born with BRCA1 gene mutation are at increased risk for developing breast and ovarian cancers within their lifetime and the tumors that arise are frequently the triple-negative type. Genetic expression has been identified as the primary pathway that allows tumor cells to grow unchecked. The study team identified how vitamin D plays a role in turning off this pathway, providing a safe and effective strategy to fight these types of tumors.

The researchers sought to identify specific genes that either express of suppress the production of proteins that ultimately protect or promote the development of cancer cells. Each cell contains an extensive array of mechanisms designed to protect DNA integrity and prevent passing potentially damaging mutations to the next generation of daughter cells. BRCA1 is a well known tumor suppressor gene, as it helps repair DNA double-strand breaks, helping to prevent the initial phase of breast cancer lines. Loss of the BRCA1 gene repair ability greatly increases the risk of developing cancer.

Supplement Daily with Vitamin D to Ensure Maximum Cellular Saturation and Protection

The study team identified a critical DNA repair factor known as 53BP1 that becomes impaired with BRCA1 gene degradation, and determined that treatment of BRCA1-deficient tumor cells with vitamin D restores high levels of 53BP1, which results in increased genomic instability and reduced proliferation. The team determined that treatment with a combination of vitamin D and PARP inhibitors could represent a novel therapeutic strategy for breast cancers with poor prognosis.

Extensive research over the past decade has clearly shown that sub-optimal levels of vitamin D greatly increase the risk of many forms of cancer, as the prohormone unlocks the necessary blueprint to accurate cellular replication and elimination of mutations. This important study is among the first to identify vitamin D as a key to prevention and even treatment in the most resistant cases of triple-negative breast cancer lines. Most women will want to ensure they maintain optimal vitamin D blood levels between 50 and 70 ng/mL (higher for those fighting the disease) for protection against this deadly form of breast cancer.

Resveratrol Reduces Breast Cancer Risk by Blocking the Effect of Estrogen

Researchers from the Faculty of Pharmacy at the University of Calabria in Italy publishing in The FASEB Journal report that resveratrol blocks the effect of estrogen and can help to prevent the malignant growth of breast cancer in women. The grape/red wine derivative has been the subject of numerous scientific studies in recent years and has shown promise in lowering risks from cardiovascular disease, cancer and dementia.

Scientists also believe the protective nutrient may extend healthy lifespan by directly influencing mortality genes known as SIRT. Italian researchers noted "Resveratrol is a potential pharmacological tool to be exploited when breast cancer become resistant to the hormonal therapy." Health-minded adults will want to include resveratrol from natural food sources or supplementation to reap the numerous health benefits.

Resveratrol Supplementation Suppresses the Growth of Malignant Breast Cancer Cells

To design their study, researchers used several breast cancer cell lines expressing the estrogen receptor to test the effects of resveratrol. They exposed the different cells to a solution containing resveratrol and compared the results to cells left untreated. They found an important reduction in cell growth in cells treated with resveratrol, while no changes were seen in untreated cells. Further experiments determined that this effect was caused by a critical reduction in estrogen receptors caused by the administration of resveratrol.

This finding is the first of its kind as it relates specifically to the effect of resveratrol on a particular cancer cell line. The team was able to conclude that resveratrol is able to counteract the malignant progression of breast cancer cells by inhibiting the growth and spread of hormone resistant cancerous cells. This has important implications for the treatment of women with breast cancer whose tumors eventually develop resistance to hormonal therapy.

Resveratrol Specifically Targets Cancerous Cells to Fight Breast Cancer

Lead researcher Dr. Sebastiano Ando noted "Resveratrol is a potential pharmacological tool to be exploited when breast cancer become resistant to the hormonal therapy." A peer review board examining the study data concluded “scientists haven't finished distilling the secrets of good health that have been hidden in natural products such as red wine.” It is important to note that in this body of research, resveratrol only demonstrated an effect on malignant cancer cells and exerted no effect on non-cancerous cells.

While the authors cautioned that people should not go out and start using red wine or resveratrol supplements as a treatment for breast cancer, the finding strongly indicates that the plant-protective compound should be considered as a component in an overall plan designed to prevent the devastating disease. Nutrition experts recommend a supplemental intake (from a purified, organically derived source) of between 50 and 250 mg per day for optimal health benefits.

A Daily Serving of Walnuts Cuts Breast Cancer Risk

Researchers from Marshall University in West Virginia report in the journal Nutrition and Cancer that small amounts of walnuts eaten daily can significantly lower the risk of breast cancer in women. Walnuts are a naturally great tasting source of healthy Omega-3 fats, minerals, vitamins and protein that have long been associated with good health.

Interestingly, it is not only the potent dose of Omega-3 fats that are responsible for the risk reduction, but a synergistic effect between multiple nutrients provided by the nut. Scientists now confirm that eating two ounces of this super food each day can significantly lower your risk of developing this insidious killer disease.

Regular Walnut Consumption Slows Breast Cancer Tumor Progression

The study was conducted using mice that are genetically predisposed to develop breast cancer tumors.  Lead researcher, Dr. Elaine Hardman set out to determine the effect of a typical diet and a walnut-enhanced diet through an entire lifespan. Scientists examined dietary nutrition supplied by the mother through conception and weaning and then by eating walnuts directly. Mice are frequently used for this type of research because they follow similar patterns of breast cancer carcinogenesis when compared to humans.

Dr. Hardman found that the group whose diet included walnuts from conception to late life developed breast cancer at less than half the rate of the group consuming a typical diet. In addition, the number of tumors and their sizes were significantly smaller. Of the results, she commented “These reductions are particularly important when you consider that the mice were genetically programmed to develop cancer at a high rate... we were able to reduce the risk for cancer even in the presence of a preexisting genetic mutation.”

Walnuts Provide a Perfect Blend of Essential Nutrients

Researchers noted that they were unable to determine if the cancer prevention benefits were the result of deletions or additions to the diet. Adding healthy Omega fats from walnuts displaced unhealthy fats and balanced Omega-3 to Omega-6 ratios to lower systemic inflammation and oxidized LDL cholesterol levels that result in cancer development. Other studies including walnuts have shown that there are multiple health benefits achieved from the unique blend of fats, vitamins (especially vitamin E) and minerals in the flavorful nut.

The result of this study continues to add to the wealth of scientific evidence that natural nutrients provided by an array of `super foods` significantly contribute to our health. Dr. Hardman concluded “Food is important medicine in our diet… the results of this study indicate that increased consumption of walnuts could be part of a healthy diet and reduce risk for cancer in future generations.” It`s easy to add two ounces of walnuts (about 14 halves) to your daily diet to prevent breast cancer and a host of other chronic diseases.

Broccoli and Cruciferous Vegetable Compound Targets Cancer Cells for Destruction

Research details published in the Molecular Nutrition and Food Research journal explains the potent mechanism exhibited by cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli and cauliflower to ameliorate developing cancer cells. The active photochemical known as sulforaphane targets prostate and other hormone dependent cancer lines and leaves normal healthy cells unaffected.

Cruciferous vegetables have long been associated with a lowered risk of prostate cancer, but this is the first study to demonstrate the `search and attack` capability of the natural chemical compound. Consuming small amounts of crucifers several times each week can help to significantly lower your risk of developing many types of potentially deadly cancer lines.

Sulforaphane from Broccoli and Crucifers Targets Cancer Cells for Destruction

The study was led by Dr. Emily Ho, associate professor from the Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University. Tissue from cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, cabbage and cauliflower contain high levels of the powerful natural compound chemically known as glucosinolates. In the body glucosinolates are broken down into sulforaphane that exert protective anti-cancer characteristics.

Based on prior research to indicate that crucifers and sulforaphane specifically kill cancer cells, researchers designed a trial study using mouse models to demonstrate that sulforaphane selectively targets hormone dependent cancers such as breast and prostate. Dr. Ho commented “It is well documented that sulforaphane can target cancer cells through multiple chemopreventive mechanisms” and  continued “Here we show for the first time that sulforaphane selectively targets benign hyperplasia cells and cancerous prostate cells while leaving the normal prostate cells unaffected.”

Natural Food Inhibits Enzymes Necessary for Cancer Development

The study demonstrated that sulforaphane is an inhibitor of histone deacetylase, or HDAC enzymes. HDAC enzymes are theorized to develop in the body as a result of metabolic inefficiency resulting from systemic inflammation and low antioxidant status. HDAC enzymes provide fuel to the cancer initiation and progression processes when they occur in excess and their action runs unabated. HDAC inhibition is currently an important research area targeted by Big Pharma and synthesized drugs that can be addressed with natural nutrients from food and lifestyle modifications.

Scientists clearly demonstrated the specific mechanism to explain how sulforaphane targets breast and prostate cancer cells. Many existing studies show that nutrients present in cruciferous vegetables can halt all cancer cell lines by inhibiting the fuel necessary for the cells to multiply out of control. Researchers concluded the data collected “provide(s) further support for the relevance of sulforaphane as a dietary HDAC inhibitor and chemopreventive agent.” Nutritional experts recommend several three to four ounce servings of lightly steamed crucifers each week to prevent cancer development.

Targeting Higher Vitamin D Levels to Prevent Cancer and Chronic Disease

The correlation between serum blood levels of circulating vitamin D and lower risk from many cancer lines has been well documented over the past two decades. Scientists have revealed the mechanism used by this powerful pro-hormone to guide healthy DNA replication and cellular division to dramatically reduce the incidence of potentially deadly mutations.

Publishing in the journal Anticancer Research, researchers at the University of California, San Diego School of Medicine and Creighton University School of Medicine have found that much higher levels of the sunshine vitamin are necessary to prevent or markedly reduce the incidence of breast cancer and other chronic conditions.

Most Adults Do Not Take Enough Vitamin D to Lower Disease Risk

The study included nearly 5,000 men and women with an average age of 51 over a period of 5 years. Participants answered dietary questionnaires every six months to ascertain vitamin D levels, vitamin D intake, and health status. Researchers found that the vast majority of adults need to supplement with 4,000 to 8,000 IU per day of vitamin D3 (taken with food or as an oil-based gel cap) to maintain sufficient levels of vitamin D metabolites to lower disease risk by 50%.

The study demonstrated that the risk of developing a number of chronic diseases including breast cancer, colon cancer, multiple sclerosis, and type 1 diabetes was cut in half by raising the blood saturation level above 50 ng/ml. One of the lead authors, Dr. Cedric Garland noted “I was surprised to find that the intakes required to maintain vitamin D status for disease prevention were so high – much higher than the minimal intake of vitamin D of 400 IU/day that was needed to defeat rickets in the 20th century.”

Supplement Vitamin D to Achieve Proper Blood Saturation Levels

Recommended Daily Allowances for vitamin D were recently bumped up to 600 IU per day for most adults. This study is the first to clearly demonstrate that this small increase is still placing the health of millions of Americans in jeopardy. A report from the National Academy of Sciences Institute of Medicine indicates that 4,000 IU is a safe dosage for everyday use by those nine years of age and older. Many factors including age, race and body weight determine the correct amount of vitamin D needed to raise blood levels, and blood testing is the only reliable method to determine the correct supplemental dose.

Most researchers believe that supplementing to establish a blood saturation level between 40 and 60 ng/ml is needed to provide maximum protection from many cancer lines, diabetes and heart disease. This study found that less than 10% of the population has blood levels that fall within this range and supplementation is essential for optimal health and longevity.

Vitamin D Shown to Dramatically Cut Cancer Risk

(Article first published as Don’t Ignore Vitamin D to Dramatically Slash Cancer Risk on Technorati.)

Evidence in support of the health-promoting properties of vitamin D continues to mount as new research shows a direct link between blood levels of the super-nutrient and the risk of developing colon cancer. The National Cancer Institute provides statistics showing that colon cancer is the second most deadly form of the disease, taking the lives of more than 50,000 each year in the US.

The International Journal of Cancer has published a meta-analysis from nine comprehensive studies showing dramatic reductions in colon cancer risk with higher blood concentrations of the sunshine vitamin.

Cancer Risk Reduction is Linked to Vitamin D Blood Saturation

The pooled data from the studies reviewed showed that for every 10 nanograms per milliliter increase in vitamin D blood level saturation, there was a corresponding decrease in colon cancer incidence of 15%. Breast cancer risk was lowered by 11% with the same increase in vitamin D. Researchers made note that they were testing the biologically active form of vitamin D known as cholecalciferol (vitamin D3) and not the less active precursor (vitamin D2 or ergocalciferol). Vitamin D was tested using the more accurate 25(OH)D blood test.

The role of vitamin D in cancer prevention has been theorized since the early 1940`s when scientists discovered that cancer rates were much lower in countries closest to the equator. At the time they believed that sunshine played an important role in `cancer immunity`. Over time the link between vitamin D production in the skin and sun exposure has become increasingly apparent and extensive research demonstrates how this crucial nutrient can protect DNA integrity and prevent cancer-causing mutations.

Ensure Proper Vitamin D Levels With a Simple Blood Test

Research studies over the past decade have provided conclusive evidence that vitamin D blood levels in the 50 to 80 ng/ml range are associated with a significantly reduced cancer risk from all lines of the disease. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition published the results of a study showing that vitamin D (1100 IU per day) combined with calcium (1400 to 1500 mg per day) `substantially reduces all-cancer risk in postmenopausal women`. 

Scientists found that the two nutrients work synergistically to lower cancer risk in aging healthy women. The authors conducting the study concluded, `these findings highlight the importance of promoting optimum vitamin D status and underscore the value of achieving and maintaining a high serum 25(OH)D concentration.` This study demonstrates the importance of maintaining multi-nutritional status to prevent chronic illness.

Vitamin D is only one of a very small number of natural nutrients that are known to prevent and treat many types of potentially life-threatening conditions. Up until the age of 40 sun exposure provides the best source of vitamin D, but conversion of the nutrient declines as we age and supplementation using an oil-based gelcap is necessary to maximize blood saturation and lower cancer risk.

Vitamin D and Sun Combine to Halt Breast Cancer

(Article first published as Vitamin D Shows Promise in the Fight Against Breast Cancer on Technorati.)

Both vitamin D and exposure to sunshine are known to provide protection against many forms of potentially deadly cancer lines. The combination of both supplemental vitamin D and moderate sunlight provide a synergistic effect that is shown to dramatically lower the risk of developing breast cancer.

Many health-minded individuals attempt to balance the intake of the vitamin from supplements and sunbathing when feasible. Research shows that a combination of both methods can bolster the critical circulating blood levels of vitamin D and provide significant protection against this devastating form of cancer.

Supplement with Vitamin D and Spend Time in the Sun

The link between vitamin D and cancer has been theorized for more than 70 years when researchers noticed that cancer incidence was considerably lower in latitudes closest to the equator. Since that time much has been learned and evidence conclusively confirms that individuals with the highest levels of circulating vitamin D can lower the risk of developing certain forms of cancer by as much as 78%.

Sun exposure and supplementation with the natural human form of vitamin D (D3) are essential to boost vitamin D levels, as dietary sources are scarce and unreliable. The results of a study published in the journal Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention followed more than 67,000 postmenopausal women for a decade and examined degree of exposure to the sun and intake of vitamin D. Researchers found significant protection against breast cancer for those women with the most sun exposure and highest intake of vitamin D.

Study Finds Risk Lowered by 45% with Combined Vitamin D Sources

Information from this study underscores the importance of establishing a high circulating level of vitamin D to lower risk from cancer. The researchers noted that there was no significant risk reduction from taking vitamin D or sun exposure independently. The combination of moderate sun exposure and low dose vitamin D supplementation was shown to lower breast cancer risk by 32%. Women with the most sun exposure and highest level of dietary intake of vitamin D experienced a 45% reduction in breast cancer incidence.

Revised Recommended Daily Allowance Does Not Provide Cancer Protection

The referenced study found no cancer protection from taking a vitamin D supplement that provides the recommended dose of 400 IU. Additionally, cancer incidence was not affected by sun exposure alone. Combining both sources provided a degree of risk reduction that was dose dependent. Both sources were necessary to provide sufficient circulating vitamin D to demonstrate protection against breast cancer.

The revised RDA suggests that 600 IU of vitamin D will protect against disease. Unfortunately this will have no effect on cancer risk and millions will succumb to this preventable affliction. As this study confirmed, sun exposure is not a reliable source of vitamin D as our skin loses the ability to efficiently produce the vitamin as we age. Most adults will require at least 5,000 IU of vitamin D each day to establish a circulating blood level of 50 - 70 ng/ml. At this level all cells become fully saturated with vitamin D and cancer risk plummets.

Everybody metabolizes vitamin D differently and will require more or less of the nutrient based on age, weight, activity and genotype. Begin your journey to vibrant health with a simple blood test to determine your level and supplement with a gel-based form of D3 as necessary. You will dramatically lower your risk from a multitude of diseases and lengthen your natural lifespan.