Researchers state in an article published in the March 2010 issue of the journal Nutrition that vitamin d should be recommended for breast cancer survivors because evidence is evident that this vitamin can provide a myriad health benefits.

For one thing, Hines S. L. and colleagues from the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida say there is evidence suggesting that vitamin D plays a role in breast cancer prevention and survival.

Previous studies have already reported that vitamin D intake is inversely associated with the risk of breast cancer, high levels of the vitamin improve survival after a diagnosis of breast cancer and vitamin D insufficiency is found in up to 75 percent of breast cancer patients.

Laboratory studies, according to the authors, have found that vitamin D affects up to 200 genes that affect cellular proliferation, apoptosis, angiogenesis, terminal differentiation of normal and cancer cells, and macrophase function.

Vitamin D affects the survival outcomes through different vitamin D receptor polymorphisms.

In addition to the anti-cancer properties, vitamin D may also improve bone mineral density, life quality and mood in breast cancer survivors.

The authors write "maintaining adequate vitamin D stores is recommended for breast cancer survivors throughout their lifetime."

Canadian Cancer Society recommends men and women take 1000 IU vitamin D daily to prevent cancer.

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