Uterine fibroids are non-cancerous tumors that affect many women, yet we still don’t know exactly why they form. One theory is that certain vitamin deficiencies can lead to fibroid development. Now, a study in BMC Women’s Health examined that theory to see if taking certain vitamins could shrink fibroids. Here’s what they found.

Vitamins to Shrink Fibroids

For this study, researchers conducted a systematic review of nearly 10,000 articles following more than 55,000 participants. Their goal was simple: to see how vitamin supplementation affected fibroid size. Specifically, they looked at Vitamin D, Vitamin A, Vitamin K and Vitamin E. At the conclusion of their review, the evidence was clear. While Vitamin K and E did not have a measurable impact on uterine tumors, both animal-sourced Vitamin A and Vitamin D could reduce the size of uterine fibroids. This discovery was exciting, since previous research had focused on Vitamin D supplementation, but Vitamin A was rarely mentioned as a supplement to shrink fibroids.

Finding Your Best Sources

While Vitamin D in any form seemed to help shrink uterine fibroids, the study authors were very specific that Vitamin A should come from an animal source. So, what foods should you add to your diet to increase your Vitamin A levels?

Great sources include:

• Egg yolks
• Milk, cheese and butter
• Oily fish such as mackerel and salmon
• Liver

Now, some of these Vitamin A sources can be high in fat, so they should be eaten in moderation, and with the approval of your healthcare provider. After all, a diet high in fat can lead to weight gain, increased estrogen levels in your body and, in turn, fibroid growth. But when you choose better-for-you sources of Vitamin A, and combine them with Vitamin D, you may just shrink your fibroids naturally.

When Medical Intervention is Necessary

Women with large or multiple tumors may not be able to shrink fibroids through diet and lifestyle measures alone. When that is the case, minimally invasive medical care may provide relief. Reach out to our Texas Endovascular team to request a consultation at one of our seven locations in and around Houston and Dallas. Together, we can explore your candidacy for UFE, a procedure that shrinks fibroids without surgery, general anesthesia or the need for overnight hospital stays.