Calcium supplementation has well established benefits for bone health in postmenopausal women. In addition, calcium supplementation is important to prevent the decline in bone mineral density associated with many breast cancer treatments, such as aromatase inhibitors. Research also suggests that high calcium intakes may protect against cardiovascular disease by their ability to increase the ratio of so-called “good” (HDL) cholesterol to “bad” (LDL) cholesterol. Because there is a high incidence of cardiovascular disease in postmenopausal women, calcium supplements may also offer important health benefits for women with vascular disease.

The Westmead Breast Cancer Institute is investigating the vitamin D levels of women newly diagnosed with breast cancer, says Kellie Bilinski, a dietitian and the project leader of the institute’s vitamin D research program.

Read the full story from the Sydney Morning Herald