Vitamin D Supplementation Enhances Chemotherapy Efficacy in Breast Cancer

A recent study conducted by researchers at the Botucatu School of Medicine at São Paulo State University (FMB-UNESP) in Brazil suggests that vitamin D supplementation significantly improves the effectiveness of chemotherapy in breast cancer patients. The research, published in the journal *Nutrition and Cancer* on June 14, 2025, involved 80 women aged over 45 years who were about to begin treatment. Participants were divided into two groups: one received 2,000 IU of vitamin D daily, while the other received a placebo. The findings revealed that 43% of the vitamin D group experienced disease remission compared to only 24% in the placebo group.
Vitamin D, often referred to as the 'sunshine vitamin,' is produced by the body when exposed to sunlight and is also found in certain foods. It plays a crucial role in maintaining bone health and supporting immune function. According to Dr. Eduardo Carvalho-Pessoa, one of the authors of the study, the dosage of 2,000 IU used in this research is significantly below the usual target dose for correcting vitamin D deficiency, which is typically around 50,000 IU per week.
"Even with a small sample size, we observed a significant difference in the chemotherapy response rates," stated Dr. Carvalho-Pessoa. The study's results indicate a potential auxiliary role for vitamin D in enhancing the response to cancer treatment.
Dr. Carvalho-Pessoa emphasized the affordability and accessibility of vitamin D supplementation compared to other drugs that improve chemotherapy responses, some of which are not included in Brazil's Unified Health System. He expressed hopes for further research involving a larger participant pool to better understand vitamin D's role in cancer treatment.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends a daily intake of 400 IU of vitamin D for infants and 600 IU for other individuals not deficient in this vitamin. For older adults, the recommended intake is 800 IU. However, excessive vitamin D can lead to toxicity, resulting in symptoms such as vomiting, weakness, and kidney stones.
This study aligns with previous research emphasizing vitamin D's importance in immune function, which can help in fighting infections and diseases, including cancer. The findings are expected to spark interest among both researchers and clinicians in the oncology field, as they suggest a new direction for enhancing treatment efficacy for breast cancer patients.
In conclusion, while the initial results are promising, further studies are essential to validate these findings and explore the underlying mechanisms by which vitamin D may enhance chemotherapy outcomes. This could lead to more effective treatment strategies for breast cancer, potentially improving remission rates and patient quality of life.
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