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There was a question about Vitamin D supplemantation from another group. The womans oncologist prescribed her 50,000 units Vitamin D weekly as her Vitamin D level came back too low and she asked me why this supplementation was needed, so I did some research.
More is involved than osteoporosis prevention. It seems that women diagnosed with breast cancer who are below normal in Vitamin D have, over a period of 10 years, a 94% greater chance of metastatic spread of their disease, and a 73% greater chance of dying from the breast cancer, as compared to those women with normal levels at diagnosis. I dont know what this means in real numbers but it appears it is important for a woman fighting breast cancer to keep her levels of 25-Hydroxy-Calciferol (25-Hydroxy-Vitamin D) at an optimal level. A normal level of 25-Hydroxycalciferol is between 20 nanograms and 60 nanograms per ml. I imagine keeping the 25-Hydroxy-Vitamin D level around 55 nanograms per ml might be optimal. Certainly this number is wihin the normal range. Levels of 60-90 nanograms per ml are too high and levels of 25-Hydroxy-Calciferol above 90 nanograms per ml are toxic reuslting in hypercalcemia. Women with above normal levels of 25-Hydroxy-Vitamin D (say 70 nanograms per ml) also had a higher mortality rate so going above normal does not seem to be desireable. It might be wise to check with your Oncologist about the 25-Hydroxy-Vitamin D level and keep it optimum.
It appears that Vitamin D activates a gene called P21 and this in combination with the P-53 protein, acts as an inhibitor to cell division.
There are 3 forms of Vitamin D, Vitamin D itself, 25-Hydroxy-Vitamin D, and 1, 25 Di-Hydroxy-Vitamin D (the most active form, made in the kidneys. The best measure of the Vitamin D status of the body is the intermediate 25-Hydroxy- Vitamin D.
Paul (Pharmacist)
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