Vitamin D Facts #2

1. At least 80% of women diagnosed with breast cancer have low levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D. These women with the lowest levels have the most aggressive course of the cancer if their vitamin D level is not treated and corrected. .

True

False

The explanation for the given correct answer is that studies have shown a strong association between low levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D and breast cancer. Research suggests that vitamin D plays a role in regulating cell growth and division, as well as reducing inflammation, which are important factors in cancer development and progression. Therefore, it is believed that women with low levels of vitamin D may have a higher risk of developing aggressive breast cancer. Treating and correcting these low levels of vitamin D may help improve the prognosis for these women.

Explanation

The explanation for the given correct answer is that studies have shown a strong association between low levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D and breast cancer. Research suggests that vitamin D plays a role in regulating cell growth and division, as well as reducing inflammation, which are important factors in cancer development and progression. Therefore, it is believed that women with low levels of vitamin D may have a higher risk of developing aggressive breast cancer. Treating and correcting these low levels of vitamin D may help improve the prognosis for these women.

2. How does vitamin D have an effect on resistance against infectious diseases?

It doesn't

Vitamin D has been shown to have an effect on resistance against infectious diseases by causing the body to produce natural antibodies that can fight against various pathogens such as bacteria, atypical bacteria of tuberculosis, viruses (including influenza viruses), and fungae. These natural antibodies help the immune system to recognize and neutralize these pathogens, thereby enhancing the body's defense against infectious diseases.

Explanation

Vitamin D has been shown to have an effect on resistance against infectious diseases by causing the body to produce natural antibodies that can fight against various pathogens such as bacteria, atypical bacteria of tuberculosis, viruses (including influenza viruses), and fungae. These natural antibodies help the immune system to recognize and neutralize these pathogens, thereby enhancing the body's defense against infectious diseases.

3. At least 80% of men diagnosed with prostate cancer have low levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D. Over 2 decades ago, Vitamin D was given to newly diagnosed patients who hadn't received any other treatment. What effect did this have on the PSA (the blood test for prostate cancer)?

No effect

It lowered it

It raised it

The given information states that at least 80% of men diagnosed with prostate cancer have low levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D. It further mentions that Vitamin D was given to newly diagnosed patients who hadn't received any other treatment. Therefore, based on this information, it can be inferred that providing Vitamin D to these patients lowered their PSA levels, as PSA is the blood test for prostate cancer.

Explanation

The given information states that at least 80% of men diagnosed with prostate cancer have low levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D. It further mentions that Vitamin D was given to newly diagnosed patients who hadn't received any other treatment. Therefore, based on this information, it can be inferred that providing Vitamin D to these patients lowered their PSA levels, as PSA is the blood test for prostate cancer.

4. Vitamin D prevent hyperproliferation (increased multiplication) of a wide variety of cells. What classes of illnesses have been shown to have very low levels of vitamin D, which contributes to the etiology of the illness?

A wide variety of cancers

A wide variety of autoimmune diseases (Multiple sclerosis, type I diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus)

Tuberculosis

Atherosclerosis of the coronary arteries

All of the above

Vitamin D deficiency has been linked to a wide variety of illnesses, including cancers, autoimmune diseases (such as multiple sclerosis, type I diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and lupus), tuberculosis, and atherosclerosis of the coronary arteries. Low levels of vitamin D can contribute to the development and progression of these illnesses, possibly due to its role in regulating cell proliferation and immune function. Therefore, all of the above classes of illnesses have been shown to have very low levels of vitamin D, which contributes to their etiology.

Explanation

Vitamin D deficiency has been linked to a wide variety of illnesses, including cancers, autoimmune diseases (such as multiple sclerosis, type I diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and lupus), tuberculosis, and atherosclerosis of the coronary arteries. Low levels of vitamin D can contribute to the development and progression of these illnesses, possibly due to its role in regulating cell proliferation and immune function. Therefore, all of the above classes of illnesses have been shown to have very low levels of vitamin D, which contributes to their etiology.

5. Vitamin D alone has been shown to have anti-tumor activity against which of the following cancers?

Thyroid

Breast

Prostate

A and B

A, B, and C

Vitamin D has been shown to have anti-tumor activity against thyroid, breast, and prostate cancers. This suggests that it may have a beneficial effect in preventing or treating these types of cancers.

Explanation

Vitamin D has been shown to have anti-tumor activity against thyroid, breast, and prostate cancers. This suggests that it may have a beneficial effect in preventing or treating these types of cancers.

6. How long does it take to lower the incidence in falls and fractures in a population of people over 70 years of age by giving them major doses of vitamin D?

It's never been shown that Vitamin D lowers falls or fractures

1 day

3 to 6 months

1 years

10 years

Studies have shown that giving major doses of vitamin D to people over 70 years of age can lower the incidence of falls and fractures. This effect is typically seen within 3 to 6 months of starting the supplementation. Therefore, the correct answer is 3 to 6 months.

Explanation

Studies have shown that giving major doses of vitamin D to people over 70 years of age can lower the incidence of falls and fractures. This effect is typically seen within 3 to 6 months of starting the supplementation. Therefore, the correct answer is 3 to 6 months.

7. Why doesn't everyone follow the recommendation to get a 25-hydroxyvitamin D level?

The message about vitamin D sounds too good to be true

Although more doctors are leaning about vitamin D, many still don't know the basic facts

25-hydroxyvitamin D is not done in routine blood tests

Vitamin D is so inexpensive, no company has a motive to publicize it

All of the above

The correct answer is "All of the above". This means that all of the given reasons contribute to why not everyone follows the recommendation to get a 25-hydroxyvitamin D level. The message about vitamin D may sound too good to be true, causing skepticism. Additionally, many doctors may not be knowledgeable about the basic facts of vitamin D. Routine blood tests may not include the measurement of 25-hydroxyvitamin D. Lastly, since vitamin D is inexpensive, there may not be a strong motivation for companies to publicize it.

Explanation

The correct answer is "All of the above". This means that all of the given reasons contribute to why not everyone follows the recommendation to get a 25-hydroxyvitamin D level. The message about vitamin D may sound too good to be true, causing skepticism. Additionally, many doctors may not be knowledgeable about the basic facts of vitamin D. Routine blood tests may not include the measurement of 25-hydroxyvitamin D. Lastly, since vitamin D is inexpensive, there may not be a strong motivation for companies to publicize it.

8. What level of 25-hydroxyvitamin D has been proven to have more bone density that lower levels?

20 nanograms

32 nanograms

40 nanograms

80 nanograms

150 nanograms

An optimal level of 25-hydroxyvitamin D that has been proven to have more bone density than lower levels is 40 nanograms. This means that having a 25-hydroxyvitamin D level of 40 nanograms or higher is associated with better bone density compared to levels below 40 nanograms.

Explanation

An optimal level of 25-hydroxyvitamin D that has been proven to have more bone density than lower levels is 40 nanograms. This means that having a 25-hydroxyvitamin D level of 40 nanograms or higher is associated with better bone density compared to levels below 40 nanograms.

9. What level of 25-hydroxyvitamin D has been show to be associated with a lower rate of breast cancer than lower levels?

52 nanograms

200 nanograms

75 nanograms

150 nanograms

32 nanograms

Higher levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D, specifically 52 nanograms, have been shown to be associated with a lower rate of breast cancer compared to lower levels. This suggests that maintaining adequate levels of vitamin D may have a protective effect against breast cancer development.

Explanation

Higher levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D, specifically 52 nanograms, have been shown to be associated with a lower rate of breast cancer compared to lower levels. This suggests that maintaining adequate levels of vitamin D may have a protective effect against breast cancer development.

10. What percentage of people with MS (multiple sclerosis) benefit by correcting vitamin D deficiency?

0%

35%

65%

85%

100%

The correct answer is 85%. This means that 85% of people with MS benefit from correcting vitamin D deficiency. Vitamin D deficiency has been linked to an increased risk of developing MS and can worsen symptoms in those who already have the condition. By correcting this deficiency, individuals with MS may experience improvements in their symptoms and overall well-being. However, it is important to note that this percentage may vary among individuals, as the effectiveness of vitamin D supplementation can depend on various factors such as individual response and severity of the disease.

Explanation

The correct answer is 85%. This means that 85% of people with MS benefit from correcting vitamin D deficiency. Vitamin D deficiency has been linked to an increased risk of developing MS and can worsen symptoms in those who already have the condition. By correcting this deficiency, individuals with MS may experience improvements in their symptoms and overall well-being. However, it is important to note that this percentage may vary among individuals, as the effectiveness of vitamin D supplementation can depend on various factors such as individual response and severity of the disease.