Peachy the Magazine January / February 2014 | Page 81
HEALTH + WELLNESS
WRITTEN BY
Nancy A. Palermo, MD
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not controlled cells can evolve into
a precancerous state. This explains
the role of the vitamin deficiency in
cancers of the breast, prostate, colon
and ovary. Consuming Vitamin D
supplements, alone or in combination with calcium and magnesium,
has been associated with a decrease
in these cancers.
A study from Georgetown University
Medical Center, presented at the
American Association of Cancer Research,
showed that an increased in the doses
of the vitamin in breast cancer patients
was associated with a 75 percent
reduction in cancer growth and a
50 percent reduction in tumor cases.
These findings are early but they are
encouraging for the supportive role
this vitamin plays at the cellular level.
Vitamin D deficiency can contribute
to bone loss related to decreased Vitamin D-mediated calcium absorption
in the intestines. The decrease can
lead to de-mineralization of bone and
increase fracture rates. Low vitamin
D levels can also be associated with
many musculoskeletal symptoms that
include bone pain, joint pain, muscle
aches and weakness.
A study in The Endocrinology Practice
Journal showed that patients with a
number of physiological symptoms of
fibromyalgia, including myalgias and
muscle weakness, showed that their
symptoms improved when they were
given Vitamin D supplements.
Psoriasis, an autoimmune skin condition that was previously treated with
steroids, cyclosporine and Accutane,
has shown great response to treatment
with topical D3 ointment. This therapy
is safer and more tolerated when compared to traditional treatments.
Vitamin D deficiency has been implicated in the development of high blood
pressure and heart disease. In a study
conducted at Harvard University
showed that nurses with low Vitamin
D levels had a 67 percent increase in
the risk of developing hypertension.
A study from Finland has shown that
JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2014
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