Targeted Supplementation to Help Reduce Risk

All this month we have featured articles discussing various aspects of breast cancer prevention. We want to close out the month with a list of some key supplements that may help support better breast health. By law we are not able to make claims linking dietary supplements and disease. The nutrients discussed are considered dietary supplements and are not drugs. Therefore, these products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Substantiation of my article is listed in Key References at the end.

Vitamin D1-9

Low levels of vitamin D in serum have also been correlated with breast cancer disease progression and bone metastases, and studies suggest that increased intake of vitamin D reduces the risk of breast cancer in premenopausal women.

Breast cancer rates have been reported to be relatively high in areas of low exposure to sunlight.167 Sunlight triggers the formation of vitamin D in the skin, which can be activated in the liver and kidneys into a hormone with great activity. This activated form of vitamin D causes "cellular differentiation" --essentially the opposite of cancer.

The following evidence indicates that vitamin D might have a protective role against breast cancer:

• Synthetic vitamin D-like molecules have prevented the equivalent of breast cancer in animals.
  
• Activated vitamin D appears to have antiestrogenic activity.
  Both sunlight and dietary exposure to vitamin D have correlated with a reduced risk of breast cancer.

Get your Vitamin D levels checked here

Curcumin10-13

Several recent studies have indicated the cancer-reducing effects of curcumin. There are multiple mechanisms by which curcumin modulates and prevents tumor growth. The National Cancer Institute is currently developing curcumin as a drug for the treatment of cancer. The rationale behind this effort is based on the combination of potential chemopreventive mechanisms, the validated biological activity in preclinical studies, and its proven safety to humans.

Green Tea14-16

Along with curcumin, the health benefits of green tea are being heavily studied all over the world. Preliminary studies are indicating that green tea has cancer-preventing components. Studies have suggested that cancer rates are lower in Japan in part because people there typically drink about three cups of green tea daily.

Indole-3-Carbinol (I3C), Diindoylmethane (DIM), and Calcium D-Glucarate17-22

I3C and DIM are substances found in cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower). There is some preliminary evidence that these nutrients affect the metabolism of estrogen in a way that might protect against breast cancer. Consider these nutrients especially if you have a family history of hormone-sensitive breast cancer, if you have elevated estrogen, or if you have an elevated 2:16 hydroxy-estrogen ratio.

In 2006, scientists proved that indole-3-carbinol induces a G1 growth arrest of human reproductive cancer cells. This is significant in the prevention and treatment of cancer, as the G1 phase of cell growth occurs early in the cell lifecycle, and, for most cells, is the major period of cell cycle during its lifespan. The G1 phase is marked by synthesis of various enzymes that are required in the next ("S") phase, including those needed for DNA replication.

It should be noted that indiscriminant overuse of indole-3-carbinol and calcium d-glucarate supplements in hopes of preventing cancer may be unwise, as hormone balance should be tested (via simple salivary test) before regular consumption. Such caution is advised, due to its effect on estrogen levels (estrogen has a significant impact on brain function).

AHCC and Maitake23-32

Preliminary studies have indicated that these medicinal mushroom products exhibit cancer-preventive and anti-metastatic characteristics. In particular, they have been shown to increase NK cell activity and boost various aspects of the immune system.

Human clinical research suggests that AHCC may have the following effects on the human immune system function:

• Increases NK (natural killer) cell activity
  
• Increase cytokine (IL-2 and IL-12) production
  
• Increase CD4 + helper cells

Research suggests that MaitakeGold® may have the following effects:

• Activates and enhances the actions of macrophages, NK cells, and T cells that attack cancer cells, viruses, and other pathogens.
  
• Works as an adaptogen and has detoxifying effects on the liver and lungs.
  

*These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. Products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

References:
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2. Healthnotes, 2008
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