Prevalence of vitamin D insufficiency among breast cancer survivors.
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.


CONCLUSIONS
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.
Cancer Treatment Centers of America, Midwestern Regional Medical Center, 2520 Elisha Ave, Zion, IL 60099, USA. ktrukova@gmail.com
Kristen P
KP
Trukova
James
J
Grutsch
Carolyn
C
Lammersfeld
George
G
Liepa
D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000097:blood*; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D004034:Diet Surveys; D019587:Dietary Supplements; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D015995:Prevalence; D012867:Skin; D013472:Sunlight; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D017741:Survivors; D014807:Vitamin D / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000031:analogs & derivatives / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000097:blood*; D014808:Vitamin D Deficiency / Q000097:blood / Q000453:epidemiology*
D014807:Vitamin D; C104450:25-hydroxyvitamin D