Vitamin D, Calcium and Breast Cancer Studied
Vitamin D, Calcium and Breast Cancer Studied Vitamin D is found in milk, salmon, eggs, cheese, fortified cereals, beef, and tuna. It is also produced in the skin during exposure to the sun and then is activated in the body. Once activated, vitamin D improves the absorption of calcium and phosphorus in the gut. It is essential for the maintenance of adequate calcium levels in the body. Calcium is a mineral necessary to maintain strong bones.
Some studies in test animals have shown an association between low vitamin D and calcium intake and the development of breast cancer. To date, studies of this association in large human populations have been inconclusive; however, one recent analysis showed that premenopausal women with a high dietary intake of calcium and vitamin D had a lower risk of developing breast cancer during the study period. The recommended daily intake of vitamin D is 200 IU daily for adults aged 19 to 50 years. The recommended daily intake of calcium is 1000 mg daily for the same age group. More studies are needed to fully evaluate the effect of vitamin D and calcium consumption on the incidence of breast cancer.