Why Genomics Matter: Vitamin D Receptors

Mutations in genes involved in Vitamin D production and Vitamin D receptors (VDR) can increase risk of the developing precancerous and cancer cells especially those hormone sensitive cancers. VDRs are produced in response to Vitamin D concentrations. In northern hemispheres the majority of people tested for Vitamin D are deficient.

Targets of vitamin D receptor regulate a variety of metabolic pathways including thyroiditis, diabetes by modulating CD4 lymphocytes, the autoimmune activity of T helper 1 (microinflammation) by regulating production of IL-2, IFN gamma, and TNF alpha. VDRs inhibit expression of cancer and increases detoxification by cytochrome P450 enzymes (CYP).

Vitamin D plays essential and diverse roles associated with cancer development.

- Estrogen metabolism (re estrogen sensitive cancers)

- Neurotransmitter metabolism (dopamine, etc)

- Orchestration of the immune response

- tumor suppression (IGFBP8, CST6, 8EMA3B)

Based on epigenetic studies the following nutrients are supportive of genetic mutations of VDRs:

Vitamin D3 – Sunshine, fish, mushrooms, supplementation.

Vitamin A – Kale, sweet potatoes, carrots, butternut squash, spinach, pumpkin, Collard greens, chard, apricots, peas, leeks, black eyed peas.

Magnesium – Pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, cashews, mung beans, wild rice, almonds, cocoa beans, walnuts, brown rice, chickpeas, peanuts, spinach, oatmeal, artichokes, okra.

I highly recommend patients determine their specific mutations using OPUS23. For more information: drlisapricend@gmail.com.