The Most Important Supplement for Breast Cancer: All You Need to Know About Vitamin D

[@ColorWhims]

Your information covers almost everything a cancer patient needs to know. You are so thorough… more info than what my oncologist or breast surgeon combined! I am impressed with your unbiased knowledge. Kudos!

[@yerbba]

Thank you so much for your kind words! We're glad to hear that you find the information helpful. Our mission is to empower patients with knowledge so they can make informed decisions about their health.

[@ruthwolf1958]

Your diet and supplement videos are incredibly helpful. There is so very little attention to this area from my experience. Or for those of us with co-morbidities (like a hiatal hernia/GERD that requires daily PPI or H2 blocker and lowers stomach acid and can impact bones when needed for years, or thyroid issues, diabetic, etc.) Personally, I would like to suggest a video on is hyaluronic acid safe as a supplement (and not just topical, although talking about it's use for uro-genital side effect control would be welcome.) Or what supplements are absolutely contra-indicated for breast cancer or the drugs used to treat it. Or on the flip side, what supplements CAN help (pumpkin seed oil, elderflower for hot flashes, tart cherry for AI joint/muscle pain, Omega 3s etc.) Or what those of us who cannot take NSAIDS, who don't get relief from Tylenol, and also might also have contraindications for SSRI/SNRI, gabapentin, opioids etc. can do for pain relief options. This is another area not well served in clinical practice. There is so little offered if you don't fit into the "first line" of boxes but it can make or break your ability to follow a treatment protocol. Thank you for all you do! You have filled in so many gaps in the care we have access to.

[@yerbba]

Thanks for the feedback and the suggestion. We'll add that to our list.

[@justcomment8516]

Many thanks for this video! Vitamin D is also important for absorption of Calcium, which is essential for bone health. For those of us taking letrozole or similar, decrease in bone density is an issue.

[@yerbba]

You're absolutely correct! Vitamin D plays a crucial role in calcium absorption, which is vital for maintaining bone health. This connection becomes particularly significant for individuals undergoing treatments like letrozole, where maintaining bone density is a concern.

[@MsDelilaah]

Calcium isn’t the main vitamin in a bone. The bone is made of a lot more. MSM made you believe that.

[@roselucht4583]

Thank you for sharing this. I have invasive lobular cancer - mastectomy soon. I’m on Letrozole. I notice it’s hard for me to continue walking or hiking much as my lower back and hips hurt so much from the Letrozole. I’m doing water aerobics 4 days a week,and it helps, but I get so exhausted from it. My RBC’s are low as is my Hct. and Hgb trying to increase iron and green leafy vegetables.also more lean red meat ( in small portions like 3 ounce serving). I’m just not sure how to feel better.

[@naththomas9946]

Thank you, Dr.Griggs, for your helpful advice while dealing with breast cancer - I'm not a patient, but an advocate, this disease has affect my family.🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽

[@yerbba]

You're very welcome! We appreciate your advocacy efforts and the support you provide to those affected by breast cancer. It's a challenging journey, and having dedicated advocates like yourself makes a significant difference.

[@gabrielasaez9601]

While treating my breast cancer I got results of low vitamin D in my system back in January/24. I have been taking those once a week strips and the difference has been noticeable in just a few months, I got to normal levels of this vitamin and I am very happy with it. Thank you, doctor, for your so well informative videos.

[@yerbba]

It's wonderful to hear about the positive impact that addressing your vitamin D deficiency has had on your health. Thank you for sharing your experience.

[@Barbara-ex3ge]

Thanks for another interesting video. I so appreciate your ‘gentle’, pragmatic and supportive advice. Interestingly my GP has just started me on Vitamin D on a monthly prescription

[@yerbba]

That's wonderful! It sounds like your GP is taking proactive steps to support your health. Keep up the good work with your healthcare team!

[@MarinaBlackford]

Thank you for sharing this info Dr. Griggs! Your channel is alway so helpful!

[@yerbba]

Your support means a lot to us! Thank you for watching.

[@deschelbutler4859]

You always offer great information. Thank you ❤

[@yerbba]

Thank you for watching and being part of the Yerbba community.

[@rosacentenorosalinda5854]

Thankyou for sharing new information 😊

[@yerbba]

Thank you for watching and being part of the Yerbba community!

[@salliedennis3011]

Love to watch your videos thanks for the share

[@yerbba]

Thank you for watching and being part of the Yerbba community!

[@susanelizabeth5841]

If a hormone positive breast cancer patient has had gastric bypass and deals with malabsorption, how does this affect oral AI treatment and how is this best addressed? Thank you! I am very appreciative of your videos! So informative!

[@yerbba]

Such a good question. There should be no problem with absorption or effectiveness of your treatment.

[@kerri9326]

Thank you so much for this video!

[@yerbba]

We are so glad you found this video helpful! Thank you for watching!

[@claudiaovando8435]

I had low vitimine D for maybe 7 years. I was just diagnosed wiith stage 1 breast cancer. Just had a lumpectomy, lymph negative, ER and PR positive, rate 2 and 20 (right in the middle), and scored 25 for reoccurance. Having chemo, radiation, hormone therapy, and ovaries suppresion. Im 44.

[@claudiaovando8435]

This might explain the reason, I have no family history what so ever and I am a very healthy, active person, I eat organic etc, but I have always avoided the sun because melasma. 😢

[@yerbba]

Managing low vitamin D while dealing with a breast cancer diagnosis sounds challenging. It sounds like you are taking comprehensive steps with your treatment plan, which is great for tackling the cancer at this early stage. If you have any concerns about how these treatments may interact with your vitamin D levels or other aspects of your health, it's a good idea to discuss these with your oncologist.

[@TrudyContos-gq1bw]

When you avoid the sun it can and does cause certain cancers . We need that sun, and the best way is through the sun. I'm not sure of that disease you have in your family Melasma? But, be sure and ask if you can take D3 or and a K just in case your onco might be able to suggest another way. Good luck👍👍

[@iconic1758]

​​@@yerbbaplease guide me . There is no medical practitioner here who is ready to help me. 🙏?....? My mother was diagnosed with phyllodes last yr. Reports showed areas of calcification. Recently my mother has started taking high doses of vitamin D3. Will it cause any harm to her ? Can it lead to migration of more calcium to her breasts? Should she stop taking vitamin D3...?...?

[@denisemodica9792]

I’m so glad u r talking about the importance of vitamin D

[@yerbba]

We're glad you found this topic helpful!

[@cherylallen5927]

What do you think about Vit D and K2?

[@yerbba]

Some people may not get enough vitamin K in their diet, and supplementing vitamin K is something to discuss with your medical team.

[@AnnetteWeier]

My oncologist advised me to take vitamin D and calcium. Do you not recommend calcium supplements? If not, please explain why and especially if you think there can be negative side effects. I was also recommended magnesium for leg cramps and sleep. What is your view about magnesium? Thank you

[@yerbba]

Magnesium can help with some symptoms. It can cause diarrhea but otherwise is well tolerated. Calcium supplements and vitamin D can help protect your bones although the data are mixed. You may want to watch our video on bone health: kzbin.info/www/bejne/a6i3qqlpeNinn9E.

[@airamsipuola5045]

Thank you for this video -- as usual, it's very timely in my life. I'm 51, perimenopausal and have had Hashimoto's thyroiditis for about 10 years. In addition to levothyroxine, I've also been taking vitamin D3, since I don't absorb it well (I always get my labs checked). I recently had stage 1, ER/PR+ breast cancer and had a lumpectomy and radiation. I'll be starting tamoxifen soon, and given all the bone and cardiovascular risks of that, and aromitase inhibitors that I'll have to switch to in about 2 years (for a total of 5 years of endocrine therapy), I added 80 mcg of K2 (from menaquinone-7) to the D3 vegan supplements because I've read that vitamin D alone can cause a buildup of calcium in the blood, which can affect the heart. My mom had Alzheimer's and suspected osteoporosis and died at 76; my dad lived to 90, but had a-fib, a stroke and heart disease, though in his early 80s. Am I overreacting in my fears of developing all these while on endocrine therapy? Should I just get K from my diet? I don't know if that is enough. I'm a vegetarian, but I don't necessarily have leafy greens every single day (I'm trying!). Thank you.

[@DawnRK3204]

Everything from 51 to tamoxifen in what you wrote describes me perfectly. I take calcium, magnesium, vitamin d3, and vitamin k2. Maybe I should stop the k2 because I eat a lot of leafy greens.

[@airamsipuola5045]

@@DawnRK3204 I take magnesium (l-threonate) too, but that's mostly for my migraines and brain health (see: mom's Alzheimer's). I also take DHA, an omega-3 fatty acid that's found in oily fish, and promotes brain health. I don't get this as a vegetarian, so I take supplements that are derived from algae. Sorry for the TMI, but these estrogen blockers have me living in fear of developing all these issues. I was hoping to go on HRT before the cancer diagnosis, but so much for that. :(

[@yerbba]

Most people do not need to take vitamin K supplements, and the amount in a daily multivitamin is most likely sufficient if you do struggle with getting enough greens. Wishing you the best.

[@mladen1urumov]

Do you speak about vit.K or vit.K2? Many suplements is combination vit.D3 + vit.K2(Mk-7)

[@yerbba]

Near the end of our video we discuss vitamin K. Thank you for commenting!

[@Freckles1212]

Yerbba did not answer this question. Yes, K2 is discussed at the end of video, but does not answer your question.

[@claudiacorbin339]

Can I take magnesium if I had ER + breast cancer ? Primary care Doctor told me to take it for leg cramps and other things

[@mechthildschoeberl4839]

Yes Magnesium is important for everything brain cramps etc I take Calcium magnesium and zinc in one pill twice a day!

[@yerbba]

Some people find that magnesium helps with leg cramps. In people with kidney disease, magnesium is not recommended. Most people tolerate magnesium fine, noticing only diarrhea as a possible side effect.

[@patriciacobb501]

If I take vitamin d do I need to take it with any other supplements for absorption Love your videos very helpful ❤

[@yerbba]

Calcium can help increase absorption of vitamin D, so many people are offered advice to take calcium as well.

[@disellin4871]

Take it with K2.

[@steveib724]

Is cod fish good dr twice a week for my wife and I your thoughts? she doesn't like salmon thanks dr

[@yerbba]

Fish provides omega-3-fatty acids and vitamin D and should be fine. The fatty fish (salmon, sardines, swordfish, tuna) have higher levels of these compounds.

[@catherineclissold3985]

Is there a meaningful difference between vitamin D2 and D3? I had a blood test following breast cancer treatment and my vitamin D level was very low (12). My oncologist prescribed 50,000 units 1/week for 10 weeks to be followed by 1000-2000 units daily. I’ve heard/read D3 is best, my script was for D2. So, I’m just wondering…

[@mechthildschoeberl4839]

D3 it is!

[@yerbba]

Thanks for the question. Most experts do recommend choosing vitamin D3 supplements over D2. D3 is considered the more bioavailable and effective form. While both forms can help increase vitamin D levels, vitamin D3 is generally regarded as the preferred option due to its superior absorption and use by the body.

[@trtony-xe4cl]

Finnally some oncologists are accepting and recommending vitamins, next lets move onto herbs, berberine,curcumin etc ,& get away from damaging chemo & radiation,well maybe in the next decade doctor minds will be more open to the benefits of natural healing,,we'll see

[@ValerieSlade-n2i]

Thank you for your informative videos! I have been on Vit D supplement for years after discovering very low Vitamin D levels when diagnosed with Celiac Disease. I wish Vitamin D testing was part of the annual panel of tests our doctors do - I have to request and pay for the testing separately. I eat a diet full of dark leafy greens and take a Vit D supplement w/5,000IUs and my latest blood test showed my Vitamin D level was 94.9. So my question is can you have Vit D levels that are too high? I have Invasive Lobular Carcinoma, Stage 1, and just had a lumpectomy and sentinel node biopsy yesterday and am so grateful for all the information you are providing!

[@yerbba]

Vitamin D toxicity is rare but can occur if blood levels are over 100-150 ng/mL. You may wish to talk with your medical team about avoiding such a high level. The biggest problems with toxicity is with calcium levels in the blood.

[@iconic1758]

Despite taking high vitamin D3 you still suffered from cancer😢😢😢....my mother is having phyllodes tumor there is no chemo available for phyllodes. I'm just giving her vitamin D3 for preventing recurrence 😭 now your case is scaring me

[@TheBubbleBia]

Dr. Thank you for this. Have you heard about Armit Kalash Nectar as a good supplement for breast cancer patients? Thank you so much.

[@yerbba]

While there has been a small study with armit kalash nectar with 61 participants, the long-term effects and potential interactions with other drugs were not studied.

[@audreymulvey4589]

Thank you as always for your videos, they are so helpful ❤ I have a question/topic I would love if you could talk about. What do you think about Thomas Seyfried’s metabolic theory of cancer? As a her2 bc survivor I’m constantly researching ways to lower my risk of recurrence. Dr Seyfried’s theory suggests that being in a constant low level state of ketosis might prohibit the development of cancer. I feel like if this is true it should be communicated to all survivors who are desperate for recurrence prevention strategies but the theory doesn’t seem to be talked about outside of social media. I would value your opinion on this.

[@yerbba]

Thanks so much for asking this question. Several people who are part of the Yerbba community have asked about Seyfried's work. There is no evidence at this time that ketosis is helpful to people wit cancer, and Dr. Seyfried's work has not held up under medical scrutiny.

[@audreymulvey4589]

@@yerbba thank you 🙏

[@mmbhc233]

Doctor can we take iron supplements during chemotherapy?isn't is cause some harm . please reply

[@yerbba]

In people with iron deficiency, there should be no problem with taking iron. Most people are not iron deficient, however, and people who are not should not take supplements. As always, check with your medical team about specific supplements.

[@ebnanaann5644]

Everyone living in Scotland is advised to take 1000 units minimum daily

[@yerbba]

Thank you for sharing. Probably not a bad idea given the climate!

[@dreileenmillerministriesfo9328]

May I ask a question please? I have just finished chemo and radiotherapy for triple negative stage 3 breast cancer. Now I have been started on Ibandronic Acid which I take every morning. Is this another chemo drug that is taken orally? It is making my tummy a little upset and a few other side effects.

[@yerbba]

Of course you may ask a question! Ibandronic acid (also called ibandronate) is given to improve bone mineral density. Gastrointestinal (tummy) side effects are fairly common. Your medical team may be able to offer you alternatives that are equally effective given that this is a daily experience for you. There are different schedules for ibandronate as well. Wishing you the best.

[@dreileenmillerministriesfo9328]

@@yerbba thank you so much for your detailed reply. I really appreciate your time and expertise. So helpful to me. Thank you again.

[@InduS-m7i]

Hi, I had positive Breast Cancer before 1 yr but now have water retention in whole body. Can you tell me it’s cause and remedy pls..

[@yerbba]

This sounds really hard. It is hard to know what is causing your symptoms without being able to do an examination. Please do reach out to your medical team.

[@dejesusvandever1198]

Thank you . Good explanation ❤Bendiciones . God. Bless you. 🇺🇸🇨🇷

[@yerbba]

Thank you for watching!

[@cindyscharr457]

Is there a blood panel test to ask for that shows your vitamin health? I take Centrum silver multivitamin/multimineral supplement. I take it with breakfast. I assume that if you do this you have enough. Isn't this easier than buying individual amounts of each kind?

[@yerbba]

Most people who are able to eat healthful meals actually do not require any vitamin supplementation at all. The very best source of vitamins and minerals is in our diet, where they occur naturally. The exception is vitamin D, which is likely to be low in people living far away from the equator. In terms of blood tests, yes, vitamin levels can be tested in people who have conditions that can be caused by vitamin deficiencies. In some parts of the world, vitamin deficiencies are extremely common. People facing famine or food insecurity are more likely to be deficient in important vitamins.

[@cindyscharr457]

Thank you very much!@@yerbba

[@lesleynyborg7643]

What about K2? Vitamin D ok, what about calcium?

[@yerbba]

Vitamin K2, particularly the MK7 form, is often recommended alongside Vitamin D3 because they work together to improve bone health and calcium metabolism. K2 helps with calcium absorption, which can be especially important during breast cancer treatment. However, it’s essential to discuss these supplements with your healthcare provider to ensure they align with your overall treatment plan.

[@Dr._oncall_]

Hey please make your site accessible for indian reports too. My mother has stage 4 hr+ breast cancer. And I really need ur help. Please connect. I can even share u reports via email. Please connect.

[@yerbba]

Unfortunately, the Yerbba Report is currently only available in the US at this time. We understand the importance of accessing relevant information and support, especially in situations like your mother's. If there's a specific topic you'd like us to cover or if you have any particular questions, please let us know.

[@seasonsdigital439]

I’m 64 & take 4,000iu D3 & 100mg K2 in a combo pill. Is this OK?

[@yerbba]

This is likely to be just fine. Please check with your medical team about your specific situation.

[@hannah5245]

Can you be more specific when you’re talking about vit K? There are 2 forms. MK 4 and MK 7. If we’re mostly on a plant based diet, wouldn’t we get enough MK 4 ? And MK7 is actually what we need in supplement form to take with D3?

[@yerbba]

While a plant-based diet can provide adequate vitamin K1, obtaining significant amounts of MK-4 specifically from food sources is challenging without consuming animal products. Focusing on K1-rich plant foods, incorporating fermented foods high in MK-7, and considering supplementation if advised by a healthcare professional are potential strategies for those on plant-based diets concerned about vitamin K2 intake. However, the necessity of supplementation for most individuals on a balanced plant-based diet is debated.

[@karenalexander1579]

What type of Vitamin D supplement should one use after chemo? D2 or D3?

[@yerbba]

In general, D3 is preferred.