Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among African American women. Although breast cancer occurs more among white women, the mortality rate is 39 percent higher in African Americans than in whites. Recent studies have shown that taking this can increase breast cancer survival.
This nutrient can change everything
A recent study by Jama Oncology found that higher Vitamin D levels may be linked to longer breast cancer survival, and the effect is particularly strong among premenopausal women. The study was based on data from 1,666 Kaiser Permanente breast cancer patients, testing their vitamin D blood levels and following their health for seven years.
Overall the study found that the women with the highest vitamin D levels were:
- 55 percent more likely to survive breast cancer
- 42 percent more likely to survive free of invasive disease
- 63 percent less likely to die of breast cancer
- 30 percent reduction of all-cause mortality
Best sources of Vitamin D:
- Salmon
- Tuna
- Beef liver
- Fortified milk
- Egg yolks
- The sun (expose your bare skin regularly to sunlight)
Recommend daily amount
The recommended amount of daily Vitamin D is 600 units per day. However, if you are over the age of 70, many doctors recommend that you increase to 800 units per day.
For more studies on breast cancer survival rates and the link to Vitamin D, visit www.vitamindcouncil.org/health-conditions/breast-cancer/