Vitamin D Regulation of Cancer Growth

Clinical Study Title:
Vitamin D-3 receptor as a target for breast cancer prevention.

Plain English Summary:

This study looked at the role of a vitamin D receptor in the regulation of cancer growth. At the cellular level, the form of vitamin D known as vitamin D-3 has a receptor that is responsible for stopping growth of unwanted cells. Many of these receptor cells exist in the mammary glands located in the breast. This suggests that vitamin D receptors have a role in preventing breast cancer. Further research in humans is needed to confirm how to use this receptor site, but preliminary research suggests that vitamin D usage and supplements may be able to help reduce the risk.

Authors:
Welsh J. Wietzke JA. Zinser GM. Byrne B. Smith K. Narvaez CJ.

Institution:
Department of Biological Sciences, University of Notre Dame

Country of Publication:
United States

Source:
Journal of Nutrition. 133(7 Suppl):2425S-2433S, 2003 Jul.