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According to research, women who have increased their intake of
vitamin D are protecting themselves from developing breast cancer.
Studies have shown that women may not be getting a sufficient amount
of calcitriol, an active form of the vitamin, that has been known
to be a powerful anti-cancer agent.
Evidence of ample amounts of sunshine could be the reason for lower
cases of breast cancer in Mediterranean countries.
In the past, it was thought that calcitiol was produced in the
kidney, however new research revealed that an enzyme that activates
vitamin D and generates calcitriol has been found in breast tissue.
Increased enzyme levels are evident in breast tumors and provide
a natural defense mechanism against cancer.
Research has shown that increasing consumption of vitamin D in
areas that lack sunshine can also boost the natural defense against
cancer.
The study concluded that the breast has its own abilities to produce
anti-cancer forms of vitamin D, however women who live in cloudy
countries may not get enough vitamin D to receive this natural benefit.
The
Scotsman March 23, 2004
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