Vitamin D for Cancer and Fibroids

Monday, 07 May 2012 21:23 Written by Dr. Tony Vendryes

 

 

Vitamin D is in fact more like a powerful hormone than a vitamin. It controls the activity of over 2000 of our genes and receptor sites for vitamin Dare to be found in virtually every cell in the human body.

Vitamin D comprises a family ofseco-steroids, found naturally in only a few foods such as fish liver oils, fatty fish, mushrooms, egg yolks and liver. Vitamin D3 or cholecalciferol is the most active and useful form.

 

Mankind’s main source of vitamin D comes from sunshine.  When the UVB rays of the sun strikes the skin it converts cholesterol in the epidermal skin cells into vitamin D. Dark skin, old age and the use of sunblock greatly reduces the production of this vitamin from sunshine. Vitamin D is also available as a supplement is safe and inexpensive while providing many benefits for all, especially women. Sadly the research indicates that most women are deficient in vitamin D.Although there is much publicity about the need for vitamin D to protect women’s bones against osteoporosis, this vitamin has many other important uses for women.

Vitamin D and Breast Cancer

There is very good evidence that vitamin D lowers the risk of breast cancer. Studies of vitamin D levels in women diagnosed with breast cancer show that the risk of breast cancer decreases rapidly as vitamin D levels increase. 

Research at Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, revealed an impressive link between high vitamin D intake and a reduced risk of breast cancer. Their findings reveal that high doses of vitamin D caused a 50 percent reduction in breast tumors, and a 75 percent decrease in cancer spread among those who already have the disease.

Other new research conducted at the Creighton University School of Medicine in Nebraska showed that supplementing with vitamin D and calcium can reduce your risk of several cancers especially breast cancer by an astonishing 77 percent. This is strong evidence that vitamin D may be our most effective tool against many cancers.

Earlier, French scientists had suggested that getting added vitamin D from both supplements and sunshine might be the most effective way to prevent and treat breast cancers. The researchers in France came to that conclusion after examined the records of over 67,000 French women

Vitamin D's most active form D3 blocks the growth of breast cancer tumors by encouraging the cells in the breast to remain healthy or, if cancer develops, it stimulates the cancer cells to commit cell suicide (apoptosis). D3 also decreases the blood supply to tumors and reduces the spread of cancer. Although I have not seen any reported studies of treating breast cancer with vitamin D, some cancer treatment centers are now giving their cancer patients at least 5000 IU/day vitamin D. Holistic physicians like myself recommend even higher dosages along with daily sunbaths. Studies have shown that the combination of vitamin D and a calcium intake of more than 1000 mg/day provides added breast cancer protection for premenopausal women.Many other types of cancer including colon, prostate and lung cancer have been shown to respond favorably to vitamin D.

VITAMIN D and FIBROIDS
A new study published in the journal Biology of Reproduction has found that vitamin D may effectively reduce the size of existing uterine fibroids, and may even help prevent them from forming in the first place.
This study provide a promising new approach in the search for a non-surgical treatment for fibroids that doesn't affect fertility, commented Dr. Louis De Paolo of the National Institutes of Health.Rather than waiting to have a surgical procedure, women with fibroid tumors (or who may develop them later) may benefit greatly from simply exposing themselves more regularly to natural sunlight, and/or by supplementing with vitamin D3.


GET ENOUGH VITAMIN D
In just one hour of full body exposure to sunshine the body can produce up to 50,000 IU of vitamin D. But remember, the older you are, the darker your complexion the less effective your skin becomes in making vitamin D. The use of sun blocks will stop virtually all vitamin D production. There is now an alarmingly high level of vitamin D deficiency in black people living in western societies.

For healthy individuals I recommend supplementing with vitamin D3 between 2000 and 5000 IU daily. Specific illness may require higher amounts to raise your vitamin D level to an optimal range. For higher therapeutic dosages I use vitamin D3 drops. Ideally you should monitor your blood vitamin D levels to determine your individual needs for this important vitamin.

Whether it is breast cancer, uterine fibroids, osteoporosis, heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, chronic infections, neurological problems, respiratory ailments or skin diseases vitamin D has been shown to provide numerous benefits without negative side effects. It is not just for women but also critical for the health of men and children.

The Vitamin D Council has extensive scientific literature involving vitamin D and the many disorders that affect women men and children worldwide. It can be accessed at: www.vitamindcouncil.org

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Learn more about nutraMetrix Isotonix® Vitamin D with K2

Primary Benefits of nutraMetrix Isotonix® Vitamin D with K2*:

• Promotes normal bone mineral density
• Promotes healthy arteries
• Supports immune health
• Helps maintain bone health
• Helps maintain bone mass by supporting normal osteoclast activity
• Helps maintain cardiovascular health
• Promotes elasticity of blood vessels
• Helps maintain normal blood pressure
• Women with low bone density have been found to be deficient in vitamin K

Key Ingredients Found in nutraMetrix Isotonix® Vitamin D with K2:
Vitamin D3 (Cholecalciferol) 5000 IU
Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that is found in some foods and endogenously produced when sunlight strikes the skin and activates vitamin D synthesis. Vitamin D promotes the efficient intestinal absorption of calcium, primarily in the duodenum and jejunum by supporting the synthesis of calcium-binding proteins to promote normal calcium absorption and retention. Vitamin D also promotes the normal formation of bone and normal bone growth and bone remodeling by osteoblasts and osteoclasts. Vitamin D deficiency can be caused by factors such as lack of exposure to sunlight, reduced skin synthesis of vitamin D, lower dietary intake, impaired intestinal absorption and reduced metabolism to active forms of vitamin D by the kidneys, all of which increase with aging. Deficiency has been linked to numerous health concerns, and insufficient levels of this vitamin are associated with weak bones and  muscle weakness. In addition to promoting strong bones, vitamin D also has other roles in health, including supporting the body’s normal modulation of neuromuscular function and immune function. Vitamin D has been shown to support immune-modulation, and it is thought that supplementation promotes immune health by promoting the body’s normal regulation of T-cell function. In reference to cellular health, vitamin D supports the modulation of many genes that are responsible for encoding proteins that regulate normal cell cycle activity. Vitamin D levels have been strongly correlated to healthy cells. Lastly, through its interaction with VDR (vitamin D receptor), vitamin D supports the healthy expression of the gene encoding renin, thus helping to maintain healthy blood pressure.*
Vitamin K2 45 mcg
Vitamin K is a fat-soluble vitamin found in meat, eggs, dairy and natto. Although a fat-soluble vitamin, the body stores very little K2, and its stores are rapidly depleted without regular dietary intake. Natural vitamin K2, also known as menaquinone-7 (MK-7), is the most bioavailable form of K2 and has the longest half-life in the blood of any form of vitamin K. The Japanese soy food natto is particularly rich in menaquinone-7 (MK-7). Studies of natto consumption in Japan have linked menaquinone-7 to bone and cardiovascular health. The correlation of vitamin K to cardiovascular and bone health directly focuses on supporting proper calcium utilization, whereby adequate metabolism of calcium supports arterial and bone health. This is often referred to as the calcium paradox. The calcium paradox is explained simply as getting calcium in the right place (i.e., into the bone structures instead of the arterial vessel walls.) These events are dependent upon the synthesis of the vitamin K-dependent proteins osteocalcin and matrix Gla protein in a process called carboxylation. The carboxylation of these proteins is a post-translational step; that is, osteocalcin and matrix Gla protein are translated from their respective messenger RNA and then modified by enzymes to the active forms. These carboxylated forms support the healthy binding and releasing of calcium. This reaction is essential for optimal and healthy utilization of calcium. Vitamin K2 promotes the synthesis of proteins involved with calcium utilization, thereby supporting bone retention and arterial health. While Vitamin D supports the healthy regulation and synthesis of osteocalcin, the mineral-binding capacity of this protein requires vitamin K-dependent carboxylation and is thought to be related to bone mineralization. Gas6 is a vitamin K-dependent protein found throughout the nervous system, as well in the heart, lungs, stomach, kidneys and cartilage. Although the exact mechanism of its action has not been determined, Gas6 appears to be a cellular growth regulator involved in cellular activities such as cell adhesion, cell proliferation and protection against apoptosis.*


What Makes nutraMetrix Isotonix® Vitamin D with K2 Unique?
nutraMetrix Isotonix Vitamin D with K2 contains vitamin D3, the metabolically active form of vitamin D, along with vitamin K2, a form of vitamin K which supports vascular health and calcium utilization. Vitamin D plays an important role in bone health, heart health and immune support, while working with vitamin K to support normal absorption of calcium and promote healthy arteries. nutraMetrix Isotonix Vitamin D is the first of its kind to deliver both of these powerful vitamins with isotonic delivery.
Vitamin K is included in nutraMetrix Isotonix Vitamin D with K2 because of its unique partnership with vitamin D. Vitamins K and D work together to support calcium absorption and utilization. Vitamin K supports the normal delivery of calcium to the bones and promotes healthy arteries.
At least two naturally-occurring forms of vitamin K have been identified and are known as K1 and K2. While there are many similarities between these two forms of vitamin K, they are distinguished by their important differences. The most significant difference between K1 and K2 is their chemical structure which results in different pharmacokinetic properties. Vitamin K1 is retained primarily in the liver where, at high doses, it may interfere with the action of warfarin and other anticoagulant medications. 
Vitamin K2 has a different mechanism of action. It is transported primarily to bones and blood vessels. Vitamin K2 helps to maintain bone mass, support calcium utilization and promote elasticity of blood vessels.  
Some studies have concluded that vitamin K2 does not interfere with anticoagulant medications.* However, most products containing vitamin K (including K1 and/or K2) warn users taking anticoagulants not to take the product. If you are currently taking warfarin or another anticoagulant medication, you should consult your physician before taking any product containing vitamin K1 or K2.
Isotonix dietary supplements are delivered in an isotonic solution. This means that the body has less work to do to obtain maximum absorption of the nutrients. The isotonic state of the suspension allows nutrients to pass directly into the small intestine and rapidly absorb into the bloodstream. With Isotonix products, little nutritive value is lost, making the absorption of nutrients highly efficient while delivering maximum results.
Related terms: vitamin D, vitamin K, bone health, cardiovascular health, immune support, D3, K2

Frequently Asked Questions about nutraMetrix Isotonix® Vitamin D with K2:
Why is vitamin K included in nutraMetrix Isotonix Vitamin D with K2?
Vitamin K is included in this product because of its unique partnership with vitamin D. Vitamins K and D work together to promote healthy calcium absorption and utilization. Vitamin K supports the delivery of calcium to the bones and helps maintain arterial health.* 
Is nutraMetrix Isotonix Vitamin D with K2 safe for people on anticoagulant medications?Some studies have concluded that vitamin K2 does not interfere with anticoagulant medications. However, most products containing vitamin K (including K1 and/or K2) warn users taking anticoagulants not to take the product. If you are currently taking warfarin or another anticoagulant medication, you should consult your physician before taking any product containing vitamin K1 or K2.
How do I take nutraMetrix Isotonix Vitamin D with K2?
Mix one capful of Isotonix Vitamin D with K2 with 2 ounces of water. Take one serving daily.
Is it safe to take more than 1 serving of this product daily?
One serving daily of Isotonix Vitamin D with K2 is recommended. Check with your physician before taking additional daily servings of this product.
Is there a toxicity level for vitamin D?
The recommended daily Upper Limit for vitamin D is 10,000 IU, however, safety studies indicate that up to 40,000 IU may be safe for most people. If you wish to take more than one daily serving of this product, you should check with your physician.
What are dietary sources of vitamin D?
Foods rich in vitamin D include cod liver oil, salmon, mackerel and tuna.

* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.
This product(s) is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Scientific Studies Which Support nutraMetrix Isotonix® Vitamin D with K2:

·         Knapen M et al. Vitamin K2 supplementation improves hip bone geometry and bone strength indices in postmenopausal women. Osteoporosis International. 18(7):963-72, 2007.

·         Shiraki, M., et al.  Vitamin K2 (menatetrenone) effectively prevents fractures and sustains lumbar bone mineral density in osteoporosis.  Journal of Bone & Mineral Research.  15:515-522, 2000.

·         Hiruma Y et al.  Vitamin K(2) and geranylgeraniol, its side chain component, inhibited osteoclast formation in a different manner.  Biochemical Biophysical Research Communications.  314(1):24-30, 2004.

·         Plaza S and Lamson D. Vitamin K2 in bone metabolism and osteoporosis. Alternative Medicine Reviews. 10(1):24-35, 2005. Review.

·         Kameda T et al.  Vitamin K2 inhibits osteoclastic bone resorption by inducing osteoclast apoptosis.  Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications.  220(3):515-519, 1996.

·         Taira H et al.  Menatetrenone (vitamin K2) acts directly on circulating human osteoclast precursors.  Calcified Tissue International. 73(1):78-85, 2003.
Hidaka T et al.  Treatment for patients with postmenopausal osteoporosis who have been placed on HRT and show a decrease in bone mineral density: effects of concomitant administration of vitamin K(2).  Journal of Bone and Mineral Metabolism.  20(4):235-239, 2002.

·         Iwamoto J et al.  Effects of vitamin K2 on osteoporosis.  Current Pharmaceutical Design.  10(21):2557-2576, 2004.

·         Iwamoto J et al. Treatment with vitamin D3 and/or vitamin K2 for postmenopausal osteoporosis. The Keio Journal of Medicine. 2003 Sep;52(3):147-50. Review.

·         Neogi, T., et al.  Low vitamin K status is associated with osteoarthritis in the hand and knee.  Arthritis and Rheumatism.  54(4):1255-1261, 2006.
Price P.  Role of vitamin K-dependent proteins in bone metabolism.  Annual Review of Nutrition.  8:565-583, 1988.

·         Bekner K.  The vitamin K-dependent carboxylase.  Journal of Nutrition.  130(8):1877-1880, 2000.

·         Nelsestuen G et al.  Vitamin K-dependent proteins.  Vitamins and Hormones.  58:355-389, 2000.

·         Shearer M.  Role of vitamin K and Gla proteins in the pathophysiology of osteoporosis and vascular calcification.  Current Opinion in Clinical Nutrition and Metabolic Care.  3(6):433-438, 2000.

·         Gundberg C et al.  Vitamin K status and bone health:  an analysis of methods for determination under carboxylated osteocalcin.  Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism.  83(9):3258-3266, 1998.

·         Weber P.  Management of osteoporosis: is there a role for vitamin K?  International Journal for Vitamin and Nutrition Research.  67(5):350-6, 1997.

·         Garber, A. K., et al.  Comparison of phylloquinone bioavailability from food sources or a supplement in human subjects.  Journal of Nutrition.  129(6):1201-1203, 1999.

·         Binkley N et al.  Vitamin K nutrition and osteoporosis. Journal of Nutrition.  125(7):1812-1821, 1995.

·         Bischoff-Ferrari Het al.  Fracture prevention with vitamin D supplementation: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.  JAMA.  293(18):2257-2264, 2005.

·         Guirguis-Blake J et al.  Oral vitamin D3 decreases fracture risk in the elderly.  Journal of Family Practice.  52(6):431-435, 2003.

·         Schaafsma, A., et al.  Vitamin D3 and vitamin K1 supplementation of Dutch postmenopausal women with normal and low bone mineral densities:  effects on serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D and carboxylated osteocalcin.  European Journal of Clinical Nutrition.  54:626-631, 2000.

·         Trivedi Det al.  Effect of four monthly oral vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) supplementation on fractures and mortality in men and women living in the community: randomised double blind controlled trial.  British Medical Journal.  326(7387):469, 2003.

·         Van den Berghe G et al.  Bone turnover in prolonged critical illness: effect of vitamin D.  Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism.  88(10):4623-4632, 2003.

·         Chapuy M et al.  Vitamin D3 and calcium to prevent hip fractures in the elderly women. New England Journal of Medicine. 327(23):1637-1642, 1992.

·         Grant W and Holick M. Benefits and requirements of vitamin D for optimal health. Alternative Medicine Review. 10:94-111, 2005.

·         Plaza S and Lamson D. Vitamin K2 in bone metabolism and osteoporosis. Alternative Medicine Reviews. 10(1):24-35, 2005. Review.

·         Zitterman A et al.  Low vitamin D status: a contributing factor in the pathogenesis of congestive heart failure?  Journal of the American College of Cardiology.  41(1):105-112, 2003.

·         Schleithoff S et al.  Vitamin D supplementation improves cytokine profiles in patients with congestive heart failure: a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial.  American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. 83(4):754-759, 2006.
Argiles A et al.  Blood pressure is correlated with vitamin D(3) serum levels in dialysis patients.  Blood Purification.  20(4):370-375, 2002.

·         Kristal-Boneh E et al.  Association of calcitriol and blood pressure in normotensive men.  Hypertension.  30(5):1289-1294, 1997.

·         Li Y et al.  1,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D(3) is a negative endocrine regulator of the renin-angiotensin system.  Journal of Clinical Investigation.  110(2):229-238, 2002.

·         Li Y et al.  Vitamin D regulation of the renin-angiotensin system.  Journal of Cell Biochemistry.  88(2):327-331, 2003.

·         Li Y et al.  Vitamin D: a negative endocrine regulator of the renin-angiotensin system and blood pressure.  Journal of Steroid Biochemistry and Molecular Biology.  89-90(1-5):387-392, 2004.

·         Pfeifer M et al.  Effects of a short-term vitamin D(3) and calcium supplementation on blood pressure and parathyroid hormone levels in elderly women.  Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism.  86(4):1633-1637, 2001.

·         Sigmund C.  Regulation of renin expression and blood pressure by vitamin D(3).  Journal of Clinical Investigation.  110(2):155-156, 2002.
Vasquez A et al.  The clinical importance of vitamin D (cholecalciferol):  a paradigm shift with implications for all healthcare providers.  Alternative Therapies.  10(5):28-38, 2004.

·         Nimptsch K et al. Dietary intake of vitamin K and risk of prostate cancer in the Heidelberg cohort of the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. 87:985-992, 2008.

·         Habu D et al.  Role of vitamin K2 in the development of hepatocellular carcinoma in women with viral cirrhosis of the liver.  JAMA.  292(3):358-361, 2004.

·         Yoshida T et al.  Apoptosis induction of vitamin K2 in lung carcinoma cell lines: the possibility of vitamin K2 therapy for lung cancer.  International Journal of Oncology.  23(3):627-632, 2003.

·         Lamson D and Plaza S. The anticancer effects of vitamin K. Alternative Medicine Review. 8(3):303-18, 2003.
Yokoyama T et al.  Combination of vitamin K2 plus imatinib mesylate enhances induction of apoptosis in small cell lung cancer cell lines.  International Journal of Oncology.  26(1):33-40, 2005.

·         Chlebowski R et al.  Vitamin K in the treatment of cancer.  Cancer Treatment Review.  12:49-63, 1985.

·         Lamson D et al.  The anticancer effects of vitamin K.  Alternative Medicine Review.  8(3):303-318, 2003.

·         Hitomi M et al. Antitumor effects of vitamins K1, K2 and K3 on hepatocellular carcinoma in vitro and in vivo.  International Journal of Oncology.  26(3):713-720, 2005.

·         Nouso K et al.  Regression of hepatocellular carcinoma during vitamin K administration.  World Journal of Gastroenterology.  11(42):6722-6724, 2005.

·         Blackmore K et al. Vitamin D from dietary intake and sunlight exposure and the risk of hormone-receptor-defined breast cancer. American Journal of Epidemiology. 168(8):915-24, 2008.

·         Deluca H et al.  Vitamin D: its role and uses in immunology.  FASEB Journal. 15(14):2579-2585, 2001.
Adorini L.  Immunomodulatory effects of vitamin D receptor ligands in autoimmune diseases.  International Immunopharmacology.  2(7):1017-1028, 2002.

·         Cantorna M et al.  Mounting evidence for vitamin D as an environmental factor affecting autoimmune disease prevalence.  Experimental Biology and Medicine (Maywood).  229(11):1136-1142, 2004.

·         Cantorna M. Vitamin D and autoimmunity: is vitamin D status an environmental factor affecting autoimmune disease prevalence? Society for Experimental Biology and Medicine. 223:230-233, 2000.

·         Garland C et al.  The role of vitamin D in cancer prevention.  American Journal of Public Health.  96(2):252-61, 2006.

·         Giovannucci E et al.  Prospective study of predictors of vitamin D status and cancer incidence and mortality in men.  Journal of the National Cancer Institute.  98(7):451-459, 2006.

·         Holick, M.  Vitamin D:  Its role in cancer prevention and treatment.  Progress in Biophysics and Molecular Biology. 92(1):49-59, 2006.

·         Gorham E et al.  Vitamin D and prevention of colorectal cancer.  Journal Steroid Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. 97(1-2):179-94, 2005.

·         Grant W et al.  Reviews: A critical review of studies on vitamin D in relation to colorectal cancer.  Nutrition and Cancer.  48(2):115-123, 2004.

·         Harris D et al.  Vitamin D and colon carcinogenesis.  Journal of Nutrition.  134(12):3463S-3471S, 2004.

·         Hayes C et al.  The immunological functions of the vitamin D endocrine system.  Cellular and Molecular Biology.  49(2):277-300, 2003.

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