Vitamin D enhances the creation and function of healthy cells in the body, protecting the bones and boosting the immune system, and preventing certain cancers including breast cancer.  Research has indicated some breast cancers could be prevented if more women had optimal (40 to 80 ng/mL) levels of Vitamin D.
 
Vitamin D levels can be measured by a blood test taken by health care providers.  Women are encouraged to get their levels measured regularly and ask their health care provider exactly what their levels are.  Often women are told their levels are “normal” which is not exactly the same as “optimal”. 
 
One way to boost the Vitamin D levels is to take a Vitamin D-3 supplement.  Initially, some health care providers recommend taking 5,000 IUs per day, which can be reduced to between 1,000 and 2,000 IUs per day after healthy levels are achieved. 
 
Another way to boost Vitamin D levels is to sunbath in moderation (exposing but not burning).  The UVB rays in sunlight assist the human body in manufacturing Vitamin D in the fat layer under the skin, provided sunscreen isn’t applied. 

Adapted from Dr. Christiane Northrup blog, February 5, 2010.   For the complete article, please click here.