Vitamin D Benefits in Chemotherapy: According to new research from Brazil, a small dose of vitamin D every day can make breast cancer treatment and chemotherapy more effective.
Vitamin D Benefits in Chemotherapy : Breast cancer is one of the most common and serious diseases in women. Its difficult treatment process is challenging for both the patient and the family . But a recent research from Brazil has given new hope to the patients. This study found that a small daily dose of vitamin D can make breast cancer treatment i.e. chemotherapy more effective.
This study was conducted at the Botucatu School of Medicine of São Paulo State University . It included 80 women over the age of 45 who were to start chemotherapy for breast cancer.
- Half the women were given 2,000 IU (International Units ) of vitamin D daily.
- The remaining half of the women were given placebo pills i.e. fake medicine .
After 6 months the results were astonishing , cancer was completely cured in 43 percent of women taking vitamin D , while this figure was only 24 percent in women taking a placebo.
Neoadjuvant chemotherapy and vitamin D
All these women were undergoing neoadjuvant chemotherapy. This type of chemotherapy is given before surgery so that the tumor becomes smaller and the operation becomes easier. Research has found that women who had a vitamin D deficiency in their body had their levels increased after taking supplements , and it has also been helpful in treatment.
Role of Vitamin D
Vitamin D is not just for strengthening bones and increasing calcium , but it also strengthens the immune system . This is why it can be helpful in fighting many diseases.
Taking too much may be harmful
While vitamin D has benefits, its excessive intake can also cause harm. Taking too much dosage can cause problems like vomiting , weakness and kidney stones .
- For young women, it is appropriate to take 600 IU of vitamin D daily .
- For the elderly this amount is 800 IU .
- This study used a small dose of only 2,000 IU , which is considered safe.
This study indicates that vitamin D can increase the success of chemotherapy in the treatment of breast cancer. But scientists believe that more research is needed on a large scale. Initial results suggest that vitamin D can become a new ray of hope for cancer patients and can make the path of treatment easier .
You may also like
Andhra Pradesh completes recruitment of nearly 16,000 teachers
Dad says popular drug is 'worst ever' after death of his son, aged 23
BREAKING: Trio jailed for murdering teen in knife attack as he tried to hide in vape shop
Holyhead LIVE: Schools on lockdown as armed police storm Welsh town
Adolescence star Owen Cooper scolded by on-screen dad Stephen Graham after Emmys win