The Biological Effects of Vitamin D on the Development of Uterine Fibroids: A Literature Review

Abstract

Uterine Fibroids (UFs), also known as uterineleiomyomas or myomas, are benign tumors derivedfrom smooth muscle tissue. Vitamin D deficiency is oneof the many factors involved in the development andgrowth of UFs. Many studies have shown that vitamin Dsupplementation decreases the size of fibroids despitea poorly understood pathogenesis. The activity ofvitamin D against UF cells has mainly been supportedby various in vitro and in vivo studies. For this review,we conducted in-depth research of published literatureon vitamin D's biological and pathophysiological effectson UFs. We searched on Google Scholar and PubMedusing common keywords and selected 23 studies fromthe search results. The literature chosen from the pastten years was read and analyzed thoroughly. However,because of the limited research on the effects of vitaminD on UFs and the different inclusion criteria, the clinicalefficacy of vitamin D on women with UFs remainsunclear. More extensive, well-organized studies on thespecific effects of vitamin D on the growth of UFs wouldprove efficacious in establishing treatments.