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Topics
Vitamin D Reduces Breast Cancer Risk
Pomegranate Juice Slows Rising PSA in Prostate Cancer Patients
Saw Palmetto Effective in Treating Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms
Vitamin K Supplements in People on Coumadin
Soy isoflavones improve mood and cognition in post-menopausal women.
Vitamin D Associated With Reduce Breast Cancer Risk
Vitamin D is not just a vitamin; it is a pro-hormone and the precursor to a potent steroid hormone, called calcitriol. Calcitriol, the biologically active form of vitamin D, is used by many tissues throughout the body, not just bone.1 Calcitriol is involved in gene transcription, neurological function, and immune response. Recent research reveals that vitamin D is has an important role in preventing cancer. According to a study, adequate levels of vitamin D may reduce cancers of the colon, breast, prostate, and ovaries by as much as 50%.2
At a recent conference of the American Association for Cancer Research two papers expanded upon the evidence that vitamin D lowers breast cancer risk. According to Canadian researchers, the lowest risk was found among those who obtained adequate vitamin D while young.3 Both exposure to sunlight and dietary vitamin D were protective. Working at an outdoor job between the ages of 10 to 19 years resulted in a 40% risk reduction. Participation in outdoor activities, with or without concomitant exercise, resulted in a 35% risk reduction. With regard to dietary sources, consumption of cod liver oil, milk (at least 9 glasses every week) also significantly lowered risk. A key factor was exposure to adequate vitamin D while breast tissue was developing.
The second paper described widespread deficiencies in dietary intake of vitamin D.4 Looking at blood levels, a research team, headed by Dr. Cedric Garland, identified a strong inverse relationship between vitamin D and breast cancer risk. A blood level of 52 nanograms per milliliter of 25-hydroxyvitamin D, the precursor to calcitriol, was identified with a 50% reduction in risk. A minimum of 1,000 units a day from diet or supplements is necessary to obtain this blood level. The average American obtains only 320 units a day from dietary sources. Because of use of sunscreens, sun avoidance and inadequate dietary intake, many people are not attaining this protective level of vitamin D.
Are we getting enough vitamin D?
The National Academy of Sciences sets the upper limit for vitamin D intake at 2,400 units per day. According to Dr. Garland, there have been no adverse effects reported with intakes of vitamin D below 3,800 units per day or with blood levels below 160 nanograms per milliliter.4 Dr. Garland recommends that everyone consume at least 1,000 units of vitamin D per day. To put vitamin D intake in perspective consider this fact - a person with medium skin tone, exposed to full body sun for 15 to 20 minutes, would make between 10,000 to 20,000 units of vitamin D.
According to Michael Hollick, MD, PhD, an epidemic of vitamin D deficiency in much of the U.S. and the Western World contributes to a multiplicity of avoidable health problems.5 Dark skinned peoples living in northern latitudes and the elderly confined indoors are particularly at risk. In his book, The UV Advantage, Dr. Hollick presents a formula for obtaining protective amounts of vitamin D from safe sun exposure, based upon skin type, latitude, and time of year. According to Dr. Hollick, estimate the time it would take you to just turn pink from sun exposure, taking into account the latitude, time of year and time of day. Then, for 20 to 25% of that time, expose your hands, face and arms to the sun three times a week, before applying sunscreen.5 Take care to never burn.
Comment: We recommend that you do not exceed 2000 units a day in supplements without medical supervision. If you choose to supplement, consider 1,000 unit capsules. Beware of trying to get this amount from products with lower amounts of vitamin D combined with calcium - you may end up getting too much calcium, increasing the risk of kidney stones.
The Vitamin D Council is a great resource for the latest information regarding this nutrient.
Vitamin D 1,000 units #60 by Pure Encapsulations
Vitamin D 1,000 units #120 by Pure Encapsulations
References:
1) Vasquez, A, Manso, G, Cannell, J: The Clinical Importance of Vitamin D (cholecalciferol): A Paradigm Shift with Implications For All Healthcare Providers: Alternative Therapies, Sept/Oct 2004, Vol.10, No.5
2) Garland, CF, et. al., The Role of Vitamin D in Cancer Prevention, American Journal of Public Health, 2006, Feb;962):252-61 Abstract
3) Knight, Julia A. Potential Reduction in Breast Cancer Risk Associated with Vitamin D: Abstract No. 4009 AACR 2006 Annual Meeting.
4) Garland, Cedric. Gorham, Edward. Evidence of Need for Increased Vitamin D Fortification of Food Based on Pooled Analysis of Studies of Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D and Breast cancer: Abstract No. 4008 AACR 2006 Annual Meeting
5) The UV Advantage, Dr. Michael Hollick, MD, PhD, iBooks, Inc, 2003
Pomegranate Juice Slows Rising PSA in Prostate Cancer Patients
Exciting new evidence shows that pomegranate juice may delay disease progression in men recovering from prostate cancer. In a study of 50 men, who had undergone either radiation or surgery for prostate cancer, pomegranate juice significantly slowed rising prostate specific antigen (PSA), a marker for disease progression.1 The time it took for the PSA marker to double rose from 15 months to 54 months, an encouraging sign suggesting that the time required for metastases may possibly be extended. Researchers, encouraged by the four fold increase in PSA doubling time, suggested that pomegranate juice may prevent or delay the need for chemotherapy or hormone therapy.2 In addition, the serum of participants in the study, when tested in the laboratory, showed a 12% reduction in cancer cell growth and a 17% increase in cancer cell death.
Participates in this Phase II study drank 8 ounces of the wonderful variety of pomegranate juice daily.
1) Pantuck, AJ et al Phase II Study of Pomegranate Juice for Men with Rising Prostate-Specific Antigen following Surgery or Radiation for Prostate Cancer, Clin Cancer Res. 2006 Jul 1;12(13):4018-4026. Abstract
2) MedPage Today July 7, 2006
Saw Palmetto Slows Progression of Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms
Saw Palmetto extract slowed symptom progression in men with early, mild lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) associated with benign prostatic enlargement. Symptoms of men in the study were suggestive of bladder outlet obstruction. Subjects in this European study took either 320 mg per day of a saw palmetto extract called Permixon® or received no treatment. At the end of two years, men in the saw palmetto group showed significantly slower progression rates (16% vs 24%).1
Another recent study evaluated saw palmetto combined with nettle root. The combination was found to be effective in mild to moderate LUTS associated with prostate enlargement.2
Comment: These studies point to the benfit of using saw palmetto early, before symtoms become advanced. Extracts used in studies showing positive outcomes are of high quality and contain 80% to 95% fatty acids. Saw palmetto is often used in combination with other herbs and nutrients, such as stinging nettle, pygeum, pumpkin, lycopene, and zinc. Fish oil or flax seed may also be helpful.
Suggestions: ProstaPro by PhytoPharmica is a quality saw palmetto extract. Saw Palmetto Plus, by Pure Encapsulations, has stinging nettle root, pygeum, pumpkin, in addition to saw palmetto extract. Herbal therapy may take 4 to 6 weeks to produce an effect.
Also useful:
References:
1
) Djavan B, Fong YK et al: Progression delay in men with mild symptoms of bladder outlet obstruction: a comparative study of phytotherapy and watchful waiting. World J Urol 2005; 23:253-6 Abstract
2) Lopatikin N, et al: Lont-term trial confirms the efficacy of a saw palmetto and nettle root combination for the treatment of lower urinary tract symptoms- a placebo controlled, double-blind, multicenter trial. World J Urol 2005; 23:139-46 Abstract
Vitamin K Supplements May Help Some on Coumadin™
A minority of people on the anticoagulant, Coumadin™ (warfarin) are difficult to manage. A blood test called the INR is used to monitor the effect of coumadin therapy. Traditionally, people on Coumadin™ are told not to take supplements that contain vitamin K, a nutrient that opposes the action of Coumadin™. A new study shows that, in a subset of people on the drug, this approach may be counterproductive. In a small, uncontrolled study, 8 patients with wildly fluctuating INR values took 100 mcg of vitamin K under the direction of pharmacists who ran an anti-coagulation clinic. INR values increased in all patients and became more stable.
Although this was a very small study, there may be an important lesson behind the results. The authors surmise that patients who are difficult to stabilize on Coumadin™ may be deficient in vitamin K, so that any change of intake of the nutrient produces a profound decrease in the INR. Unfortunately, patients on Coumadin™ are often instructed to avoid all vitamin K containing foods, such as cabbage, broccoli or kale. Correct counseling directs the patient to intake constant, moderate amounts of vitamin K containing foods every day. Vitamin K is necessary for bone and soft tissue growth and repair, and calcium metabolism. There is some evidence that deficiency of vitamin K is associated with atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries). People on Coumadin™ need not become deficient in vitamin K.
Comment: If you are on coumadin and alter your daily intake of vitamin K, notify your physician. If your INR does not reach target levels or is unstable, talk to your doctor about this study.
Reference: Reese AM et.al. Low-dose vitamin K to augment anticoagulation control. Pharmacotherapy. 2005;25:1746-51
Soy May Improve Mood and Cognitive Function in Postmenopausal Woman
In an Italian study of 78 postmenopausal women showed that soy helps improve mood and metal acuity in postmenopausal woman. Half the women in the study were given 60 mg of soy isoflavones for 6 months. The other half took a placebo. After the 6 months period, both groups went a month without any intervention. Then, the half that took placebo switched to soy, while the half that were given soy now took placebo. This type of study is called a cross-over study. The women were given a battery of tests after each treatment, evaluating mood and cognitive performance. Woman on soy tested better in measures of mood and cognition, suggesting that soy isoflavones may improve these postmenopausal symptoms.1
Comment: It is important to read labels carefully when purchasing a soy product. Look for the number of milligrams of isoflavone content.
Soy Isoflavones 50 mg by Vital Nutrients
Soy Isoflavones 40 mg vegetarian caps by Pure Encapsulations
Additional well - being support products:
Relax-O-Comp # 90 Caps
End Fatigue Revitalizing Sleep Formula
Brain Sustain NeuroActives by iNutritionals
Reference: 1)Casini ML, Marelli G, et.al. Psychological assessment of the effects of treatment with phytoestrogens on postmenopausal women: a randomized, double-blind, crossover, placebo-controlled study. Erspamer, University La Sapienza, Rome, Italy. Fertil Steril. 2006 Apr;85(4):972-8 View Abstract.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. They are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. This newsletter is for information purposes only, and is not medical advise or prescription. Consult your physician if you are having a health problem.
