Breast cancer is one of the most common types of cancer among women with about 264,000 cases diagnosed each year. With October being Breast Cancer Awareness Month, let’s dive into which vitamins and minerals may help reduce your risk for breast cancer!

Vitamin D

Vitamin D is great for boosting your mental health, bone health, and reducing your risk of developing breast cancer. Research suggests that a vitamin D deficiency is associated with tumor progression and metastasis in breast cancer. In contrast, those with normal vitamin D levels saw normal breast cell growth and the ability to stop breast cancer cells from growing.

Vitamin D is absorbed through the food we eat (e.g., milk, fatty fish, eggs) and sun exposure. Just fifteen minutes a day can give you more than the recommended daily amount needed. However, if you happen to live in a country where the sun isn’t out much, have a darker skin tone (you naturally produce less vitamin D), or don’t have time in your schedule to get outside, supplementing may be the best option for you.

At PRTCL, our mission is to provide women with products that not only support their fitness journey but also can improve their overall health. If you need help boosting your vitamin D levels, check out our ESSENTIAL Fortified Whey Protein Powder and SUPPORT Immunity Booster Powder.

Magnesium

Did you know that experts consider magnesium an essential mineral? People who eat foods rich in magnesium (e.g., almonds, walnuts, spinach) or supplement are far healthier than those that don’t.

In regard to magnesium intake, Huang et al. studied over 1000 patients with breast cancer and over 1200 control subjects to determine if it had a direct link with the rate of breast cancer.

They found that those who ate a diet high in magnesium or supplemented had a lower risk of developing breast cancer. That’s about a 22% reduction in breast cancer risk!

You might not be eating enough magnesium; over 60% of Americans don’t get enough of this vital mineral. If you aren’t a fan of magnesium-rich foods, consider PTRCL’s ESSENTIAL Whey Protein Powder fortified with many amazing vitamins and minerals, including magnesium.

Vitamin B

When we talk about vitamin B, we’re typically talking about vitamin B complex, which is made up of the following:

• B1 (thiamine)
• B2 (riboflavin)
• B3 (niacin)
• B5 (pantothenic acid)
• B6 (pyridoxine)
• B7 (biotin)
• B9 (folic acid)
• B12 (cobalamin)

Vitamin B complex promotes cell health, growth of red blood cells, energy levels, brain function, and much more. In one study, 400 women took a vitamin B complex supplement and showed a 55% decrease in the risk of developing breast cancer compared to those not taking a vitamin B supplement.

Here are PRTCL products that will help you get your daily dose of the different vitamin Bs:

• STAMINA Energy & Focus Powder – This is the perfect pick-me-up for women in motion and is formulated with B1, B6, and B12.
• SUPPORT Immunity Booster Powder – As busy women constantly on the go, SUPPORT provides a boost of vitamins and minerals to support a healthy immune system.

Elderberry

Elderberry is one of the most commonly used medicinal plants in the world. It was used in ancient societies to heal burns and treat fevers; today, elderberries are loved for their antioxidant properties and ability to support immunity and fight off cancer.

Both European and American elder have been found to have some cancer-inhibiting abilities. Another research study showed that elderberry extract inhibited cancer cell growth and reduced breast cancer cell migration, possibly inhibiting metastasis.

Our SUPPORT Immunity Booster Powder contains elderberry extract derived from the berry and flower, ensuring the highest amount of antioxidant properties that support your immune function and metabolism.