Vitamin D supplementation review and recommendations for women diagnosed with breast or ovary cancer in the context of bone health and cancer prognosis/risk

Abstract

Vitamin D review and supplementation recommendations for women diagnosed with breast or ovary cancer have been defined in the context of bone health and cancer prognosis/risk taking as reference wider cancer patients and postmenopausal women. This specific group has been selected due to its higher osteoporosis risk versus postmenopausal women.

Early vitamin D supplementation could help maintain bone health, as well as potentially enhance cancer survival rate. Factors considered for supplementation include daily dose, periodicity, chemical form, administration, and serum levels.

Sufficient vitamin D serum levels are recommended to be above 30ng/ml (75nmol/l). Maintenance oral supplementation equivalent to a minimum daily dosage of 800-1000IU (20-25μg) cholecalciferol provided in a daily to monthly bases is preferred, also advised to start with higher dosages when vitamin D serum levels are <10ng/ml (25nmol/l).

Calcidiol supplementation is more effective, making it advantageous for cases with very low or difficult to raise vitamin D serum levels.

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See also Vitamin D and cancer.