by Susan Fenn

Created on: November 06, 2009   Last Updated: November 26, 2009

With over 75% of all Americans suffering from a vitamin D deficiency it is important that everyone, especially women, understand the link between breast cancer and vitamin D.

Studies show women with low levels of vitamin D have a 222% increased risk for developing breast cancer. Blood levels of vitamin D at the time of diagnosis of breast cancer accurately predict a woman's survival. The cancer is much more aggressive in those with low serum vitamin D levels: they are 94% more likely to have the cancer metastasize and 73% more likely to die within 10 years of diagnosis.

The average United States citizen ingests 310 International Units of vitamin D; the recommended dose is a minimum of 2000 IU daily.

In 1997 researches at the Manchester Royal Infirmary discovered that women with the highest levels of activated vitamin D (calcitriol) in their blood had the best prognosis for recovery against breast cancer.

The active form of vitamin D inhibits breast cancer cells from growing, developing, and has caused the cells to die.

The University of California in San Diego found that women who lived in the sunniest regions of the USA were less than half as likely to die of breast cancer as those who lived in less sunny regions.

The University of Toronto performed a study in 2008 between vitamin D and breast cancer. They found evidence that breast cancer patients with love vitamin D levels had a 73% higher risk of death than women who were vitamin D sufficient. Women with lower levels of vitamin D had more aggressive tumors.

Overall survival (death from other causes) was also vastly improved in the vitamin D sufficient group.

With the above research conclusions it is important to combat vitamin D deficiency. The best source of vitamin D is outside, possibly causing skin cancer. The sun can provide up to 10,000 IU daily, unfortunately the ultra violet rays can also take its toll on your health.

While changing diets to include more dairy products is possible, there are quicker ways to increase daily intake of vitamin D. The quickest is to implement a supplement that is taken along with a multivitamin and calcium enhancement.

When deciding which supplement to take it is important to look at the type of vitamin D the supplement offers. Vitamin D3 has been proven the most effective in vitamin D's role in the fight against breast cancer. There are many supplements available at local pharmacies, grocery stores, and super centers. The question remains of how to pick the right one.

Take no more than 1000 IU daily in a supplement form; even though it has been proven that it would take more than 10,000 IU for an overdose to occur. One supplement that has a great berry taste and is easy to take is Wellesse. Wellesse can be purchased at most retail stores that have a pharmacy or vitamin department. Preferably take a multivitamin along with your vitamin D supplement to ensure all daily recommended vitamin doses are being met.

Unsure if you're vitamin D deficient? Contact your primary care provider and have blood work performed. Together you can come up with the right supplement plan.

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