Vitamin D and breast cancer: A systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies

source extracted confidence: high 2026-04-09
#breast-neoplasms #dietary-supplements #female #humans #nutritional-status

Vitamin D and breast cancer: A systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies

Hossain et al., 2019 | Clin Nutr ESPEN | Meta Analysis

Citation

Hossain Sharmin, Beydoun May A, ... Wood Richard J. Vitamin D and breast cancer: A systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies. Clin Nutr ESPEN. 2019-Apr;30:170-184. doi:10.1016/j.clnesp.2018.12.085

Abstract

CONTEXT: Breast cancer (BC) is the most common malignancy among women in the US. Vitamin D status and intakes are thought to be inversely associated with BC occurrence. OBJECTIVES: In our systematic review and meta-analysis, we evaluated evidence linking serum 25(OH)D (both in serum and diet) with breast cancer (BC) occurrence. DATA SOURCES AND EXTRACTION: Only observational studies from databases such as PubMed and Cochrane (January 1st 2000 through March 15th, 2018) were included using PRISMA guidelines. Publication bias and consistency upon replication were assessed, while harmonizing risk ratios (RR, 95% CI) of BC, per fixed increment of 5 exposures [10 ng/mL of 25(OH)D; 100 IU/d for total/dietary vitamin D intakes; vitamin D deficiency; supplement use). RRs were pooled using random effect models. DATA ANALYSIS: Pooled findings from 22 studies suggested a net direct association between 25(OH)D deficiency and BC, with RRpooled = 1.91, 95% CI: 1.51-2.41, P < 0.001). Total vitamin D intake (RRpooled = 0.99, 95% CI: 0.97-1.00, P = 0.022, per 100 IU/d) and supplemental vitamin D (RRpooled = 0.97, 95% CI:0.95-1.00, P = 0.026) were inversely associated with BC. No evidence of publication bias was found; all 5 exposures of interest were consistent upon replication. CONCLUSIONS: 25(OH)D deficiency was directly related to BC while total vitamin D and supplemental vitamin D intakes had an inverse relationship with this outcome. Randomized clinical trials are warranted pending further evidence from primary meta-analyses of observational studies.

Key Findings

25(OH)D deficiency was directly related to BC while total vitamin D and supplemental vitamin D intakes had an inverse relationship with this outcome. Randomized clinical trials are warranted pending further evidence from primary meta-analyses of observational studies.

Outcomes Measured

  • Requires manual extraction

Population

Field Value
Population See abstract
Sample Size 22
Age Range See abstract
Condition deficiency

MeSH Terms

  • Breast Neoplasms
  • Dietary Supplements
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Nutritional Status
  • Observational Studies as Topic
  • Odds Ratio
  • United States
  • Vitamin D
  • Vitamin D Deficiency
  • Vitamins

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Meta Analysis
  • Publication Types: Journal Article, Meta-Analysis, Research Support, N.I.H., Intramural, Systematic Review
  • Vertical: vitamin-d-cancer

Provenance

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09