Published on February 3, 2020
In a previous post we summarized a recent study by Song et al. that found a lower risk of breast cancer with higher vitamin D levels. Specifically, these researchers found a 6% decrease in breast cancer risk for every 2 ng/ml (5 nmol/L), which is a 71% lower risk from 20 to 60 ng/ml (50 to 150 nmol/L). In today’s blog we will investigate how these results compare to the breast cancer analysis published by GrassrootsHealth.
In 2018, Grassrootshealth published an analysis of breast cancer risk by vitamin D level among women aged 55 years and older using data from participants in the GrassrootsHealth study and participants from two randomized trials by Dr. Joan Lappe. We also found that higher vitamin D levels were associated with a decrease in breast cancer risk. Specifically, we found that women with vitamin D levels at 60 ng/ml or higher had an 80% lower risk of breast cancer than women with levels less than 20 ng/ml (P=0.03).
The similar findings between these two studies (71% and 80% lower risk for 60 vs. 20 ng/ml) emphasize the importance of improving vitamin D status for breast cancer prevention.
Could Improving Your Vitamin D Level Decrease Your Risk of Cancer?
Make sure you know your vitamin D level, and take steps to keep it within a target of 40-60 ng/ml or 100-150 nmol/L! Through GrassrootsHealth Nutrient Research Institute, you can also test your essential elements magnesium, copper, zinc and selenium, toxins such as lead, mercury and cadmium, as well as your omega-3 levels, inflammation levels and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) level. Find out your levels today! Log on to the test selection page (click the link below) to get your tests and see for yourself if your levels can be improved.
Make sure you track your results before and after, about every 6 months!
Click Here to Access the Test Page
How can I track my nutrient intake and levels over time?
To help you track your supplement use and nutrient levels, GrassrootsHealth has created an online tracking system called myData-myAnswers. For each specific supplement, you can track what days you take it, how much, and many other details. This will help you know your true supplemental intake and what patterns of use work for you to reach and maintain optimum nutrient levels. Check it out today!
How Can You Use this Information for YOUR Health?
Having and maintaining healthy vitamin D and other nutrient levels can help improve your health now and for your future. Measuring is the only way to make sure you are getting enough!
STEP 1 Order your at-home blood spot test kit to measure vitamin D and other nutrients of concern to you, such as omega-3s, magnesium, essential and toxic elements (zinc, copper, selenium, lead, cadmium, mercury); include hsCRP as a marker of inflammation or HbA1c for blood sugar health
STEP 2 Answer the online questionnaire as part of the GrassrootsHealth study
STEP 3 Using our educational materials and tools (such as our dose calculators), assess your results to determine if you are in your desired target range or if actions should be taken to get there
STEP 4 After 3-6 months of implementing your changes, re-test to see if you have achieved your target level(s)
