The Link Between Vitamin D, DIM, and Testosterone in Breast Cancer Prevention
October is breast cancer awareness month, which is a time to educate ourselves and others about
the risk factors, symptoms, and preventive measures for breast cancer. Breast cancer rates are
exponentially increasing and in the United States breast cancer is one of the leading causes of
death in women. While regular screenings and a healthy lifestyle are crucial in reducing the risk
of breast cancer development, recent studies suggest that certain nutrients and hormones may
play a significant role in breast cancer prevention. In this blog, we will look at the link between
vitamin D, DIM, and testosterone in breast cancer prevention and what you can do to optimize
your levels of these nutrients and hormones.
Vitamin D
Multiple studies have found that vitamin D, a fat-soluble vitamin obtained through sunlight
exposure and diet, may help reduce the risk of breast cancer. In a study published in the
American Journal of Epidemiology, researchers observed that women with higher vitamin D
blood levels had a lower risk of developing breast cancer. Additionally, laboratory studies show
that vitamin D may prevent the growth and spread of breast cancer cells by increasing cell death
and reducing inflammation.
Foods rich in vitamin D include fatty fish, egg yolks, and fortified dairy products. Vitamin D
supplements are also available, but it's important to talk to your provider at Natural Bio Health to
ensure you are to make sure taking vitamin D supplementation is right for you, and to figure out
what type and dose of vitamin D your body needs.
DIM
Diindolylmethane, also known as DIM, is a compound found in cruciferous vegetables such as
broccoli, cabbage, and kale. DIM has been shown to support healthy estrogen metabolism by
converting harmful estrogen forms into less toxic ones. This may offer significant benefits in
breast cancer prevention since high levels of estrogen increase the risk of breast cancer
development. In a review article published in the Journal of Anticancer Research, researchers
concluded that DIM can be effective in preventing and treating several cancers, including breast,
prostate, cervical, and skin cancer. Although this research is encouraging, more clinical research
is needed to validate the role of DIM in breast cancer.
Incorporating cruciferous vegetables into your diet, taking DIM supplements, or considering a
specialized diet, such as the anti-estrogenic diet, may help optimize your DIM levels and reduce
the risk of breast cancer. However, you have to eat anywhere from 3 to 5 lbs of cruciferous
vegetables to get a daily serving of DIM, so it may be easier to take in a supplement form. At
Natural Bio Health, we offer several different types of DIM supplements, so talk to one of our
providers to see if taking DIM is the right fit for you.
Testosterone
While testosterone is often considered a male hormone, women also produce it in smaller
amounts and it has many benefits in women, including its role in breast health. Testosterone
treatment is currently FDA (Food and Drug Administration) approved in the United States for
the treatment of metastatic breast cancer. Women with low testosterone levels may be at a higher
risk of breast cancer development, according to a study published in the Journal of Clinical
Oncology as testosterone has been shown to help prevent unhealthy breast cell growth. The
authors noted that testosterone supplementation may be a viable preventive measure for high-risk
women.
However, testosterone supplementation must be prescribed and monitored by a healthcare
provider, especially in women who have a history of breast cancer or are at risk of hormone-
sensitive cancers. So, if you want to see if testosterone supplementation may be beneficial for
you, schedule an appointment now with one of our skilled providers at Natural Bio Health.
Conclusion
As breast cancer rates continue to rise globally, it's important to explore all possible avenues for
prevention. Vitamin D, DIM, and testosterone supplementation may offer significant benefits in
breast cancer prevention and overall health. While more research is needed to fully understand
their role in breast cancer, incorporating vitamin D-rich foods, cruciferous vegetables, and
regular exercise into your lifestyle may help optimize your levels of these nutrients and
hormones. Additionally, consulting with one of our trusted healthcare providers at Natural Bio
Health to determine your individual needs and risks can help guide you toward the best
preventive strategies.
Dr. Sarah Jackson DNP, FNP-C, APRN
Natural Bio Health
DK7 – Natural Bio Health
D3 5000 – Natural Bio Health
Metabolism E & T Enhancement – Natural Bio Health
