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Prevalence of Vitamin D Insufficiency Among Breast Cancer Survivors
Author(s) -
Trukova Kristen P.,
Grutsch James,
Lammersfeld Carolyn,
Liepa George
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
nutrition in clinical practice
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.725
H-Index - 71
eISSN - 1941-2452
pISSN - 0884-5336
DOI - 10.1177/0884533611431461
Subject(s) - medicine , breast cancer , vitamin d and neurology , cancer , vitamin , population , physiology , environmental health
Background : Recent research has linked inadequate vitamin D levels with risk of breast cancer, but there are less data regarding the actual concentrations of vitamin D in women who have survived breast cancer. The objective of this study was to determine if vitamin D insufficiency is a prevalent problem for female breast cancer survivors who have completed treatment for breast cancer. Methods : Ninety‐nine breast cancer survivors and a control population of 54 women with no history of breast cancer participated in this study. Serum 25‐hydroxy vitamin D concentrations were measured throughout 2007. Dietary and supplemental intake of vitamin D was assessed by a food frequency questionnaire. Zip code of residence was used to evaluate potential for skin production of vitamin D. Results : Vitamin D insufficiency (<32 ng/mL) was observed in 76 of 99 (77%) of breast cancer survivors and 51 of 54 (94%) of controls. Women taking vitamin D supplements >1000 IU/d were less likely to exhibit vitamin D insufficiency, but supplementation did not guarantee sufficiency. Conclusion : Vitamin D insufficiency appears to be prevalent among both controls and breast cancer survivors. Vitamin D status should be routinely evaluated for all women as part of regular preventive care if supplemental vitamin D intake is <1000 IU daily.