Uterine fibroids are the most common benign gynecological tumors. It was estimated that fifty percent of women who have symptoms have symptoms that negatively influence their quality of life. Generally, the use of currently available pharmacological treatments can lead to side effects. Therefore, there is a growing interest in a natural and safe approach to uterine fibroids. In recent years, epidemiological studies report a vitamin D deficiency in affected patients, increasing interest in the potential biological effects of vitamin D supplementation.
Vitamin D in uterine fibroids
Studies describe the effect of vitamin D on neutralizing the growth of fibroids, reducing its size and improving related symptomatology. Although the mechanisms by which vitamin D exerts its effects are transmitted through the regulation of gene expression, some of these effects are also mediated by modulation of signaling pathways, thus suggesting that vitamin D is directly or indirectly linked to multiple cellular processes.
The complexity of fibroids in terms of specific cancer subtypes should also be considered. Many results obtained in vitro or using preclinical models may not translate into clinical results where the specific genomic profile of fibroids or the presence of multiple stimuli may influence vitamin D signaling.
In conclusion, although preclinical data suggest that vitamin D results in molecular changes in myoma cells, the data that support clinical benefit are limited and experimental. Since, the available clinical studies are small (<50 individuals per group). Vitamin D supplementation increases vitamin D levels. Vitamin D normalization decreased myoma size by 7 mm, while the control group had no growth. However, for women suffering from symptomatic leiomyomas, current clinical data are insufficient to support the use of vitamin D as an effective therapy.
Clinical practice
Although the use of vitamin D in the treatment of uterine fibroids has not yet been scientifically proven, adequate levels of this vitamin are essential for the body. The same receptors are present in almost all tissues and are therefore involved in the regulation of various biological functions. Vitamin D deficiency is associated with various pathological conditions such as cardiovascular diseases, immune disorders and cancer. Therefore, actions are necessary to achieve this recommendation.
referencesBody
Study suggestion: Natural
feeding and uterine fibroids – What is the relationship?
Watch the Science Play video with:
Nutrition and Women’s Health
Article:
Vitamin D and fibroids
– Vergara D, Catherino WH, Trojano G, Tinelli A. Vitamin D: Mechanism of Action and Biological Effects in Uterine Fibroids. Nutrients. 2021 Feb 11;13(2):597. doi: 10.3390/nu13020597. PMID: 33670322; PMCID: PMC7917888.
