The recipient of a bachelor's degree in child psychology from Boulder University, Eloah Rocha has worked as a youth counselor with the Los Angeles Children’s Hospital since 2004. Outside of her professional responsibilities, Eloah Rocha often helps organize breast cancer fund-raising events.
A recent study published in the medical journal PLoS One led by Creighton University nursing professor Joan Lappe suggests that high levels of vitamin D might contribute to a reduction in breast cancer risk for women. Researchers involved studied data from more than 5,000 women older than 55 and noticed that those who had at least 60 nanograms per milliliter (ng/mL) of vitamin D in their blood were at an 80 percent lower risk for breast cancer than women with 20 ng/mL or less. While the study doesn't prove increased vitamin D levels prevent breast cancer, Lappe stressed that it provides support for vitamin D as a vital beneficial health measure.
Eating well and living a healthy lifestyle can also decrease risk factors, but the study, as well as others, has highlighted the value of a high vitamin D level. If you're concerned about taking in too much sunlight, supplement your vitamin D intake through tablets and capsules. The Vitamin D Council suggests adults should maintain a daily intake of 5,000 IUs of vitamin D per day.
