Vitamin D from your diet or the sun have shown in two recent studies to
reduce the risk of breast cancer later in life. The studies presented at the
American Association for Cancer Research researched women from the ages
of 20 to 59.
In the studies, the researchers took in consideration of family medical history,
ethnicity, age of first pregnancy, age of menstration, and length of breast
feeding. Studies reported that participation in outdoor activities resulted in 40%
reduction in breast cancer risk. It is particularly important to increase vitamin
D exposure prior to pregnancy and during breast development.
It was noted within the studies that regardless of age, sunlight and vitamin D is
beneficial to a healthy lifestyle and may reduce the risk of breast cancer.
Details as to wearing sunscreen are being researched since it has only been
available for approximately 20 years.
It is recommended by the National Academy of Sciences that Vitamin D intake
should be about 2400 units a day. A healthy helping of sunlight, vitamin
fortified foods, grains and cereals.
Reported by Heidi Splete, Senior Writer, Family Practice News 5/06
