Peachy the Magazine January / February 2014 | Page 81

HEALTH + WELLNESS WRITTEN BY Nancy A. Palermo, MD reakthrough? 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 79