Vitamin D helps reduce the risk of uterine fibroids

According to an American study, women with adequate vitamin D levels reduce their risk of uterine fibroids by 32%.

The study was conducted by scientists from the US National Institutes of Health. Participants included 1,036 women aged 35 - 49 and living in the Washington DC area from 1996 - 1999.

Researchers screened participants for uterine fibroids, using ultrasound and blood samples to measure levels of 25-hydroxy D (the main form of vitamin D in the blood).

Those with 25-hydroxy D levels greater than 20 ng/mL were considered adequate. Study participants then completed a questionnaire about sun exposure.
The results showed that people who spent more than 1 hour outside/day also reduced their risk of uterine fibroids. The estimated reduction was 40%.

"It would be wonderful if something as simple and inexpensive as exposing women to natural sunlight every day could help reduce their risk of uterine fibroids," said Dr. Donna Baird, a researcher at the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences at the National Institutes of Health.

Dr. Baird notes that while the findings are consistent with laboratory studies, more research in women is needed.

The study was published in the Journal of Epidemiology.

According to Dan Tri - nt