It seems that every day there is a study revealing the importance of having a normal level of vitamin D. A new report even points to an association between fibroids and vitamin D. Uterine fibroids are benign tumors of the uterine smooth muscle, and this affects approximately 30 to 40% of all women. It is one of the leading causes for a hysterectomy in the United States. In the laboratory it has been shown that an active metabolite of vitamin D can inhibit the growth of fibroid tissue.
Approximately 1000 women ages 35 to 49 years old were enrolled in a study where the vitamin D level was obtained, and the fibroid status was determined by ultrasound screenings of these premenopausal women. The group with normal vitamin D levels had a 30% lower risk of fibroids as compared to those with vitamin D insufficiency.
More research needs to be done to confirm these findings but it seems that sufficient vitamin D may be associated with a reduced risk of uterine fibroids. As always, speak to your health care provider before beginning any new vitamin supplement program.
