Can a Diet, Nutrition and Supplement Program Prevent Uterine Fibroid Recurrence? Pilot Results of the LIFE Program.

Abstract

The objective of this prospective, longitudinal cohort study was to evaluate the pilot effects of a 24-month exercise and nutrition intervention, called the Lifestyle Intervention for Fibroid Elimination Program (LIFE), at NYU Langone Health's Center for Fibroid Care. Specifically, we evaluate the impact on quality of life (QOL), symptom severity (SS), and clinical lab markers in 22 fibroid patients. Patients who underwent a procedure within 3 months of the start of the LIFE Program and completed up to 12 months of the program were included in this study. Participants were excluded if currently pregnant, postmenopausal, or had dietary restrictions or physical constraints that prevented them from participating fully in the intervention. This intervention required participants to follow a prescribed nutrition and exercise regimen for up to 12 months and attend at least 2 office visits with a physician. Participants also completed two quality of life questionnaires and regular ultrasound imaging. The demographic breakdown of our study cohort was 63.6% Black and 18.2% Hispanic/LatinX. A clinically meaningful improvement in QOL and symptom severity was found within the first year of the LIFE program. The QOL sub-scale scores that showed the greatest improvement were concern and energy/mood. Vitamin D lab values also showed a clinically meaningful improvement. The LIFE Program was associated with a reduction in symptom burden and an improvement in quality of life up to 12 months after a procedural fibroid intervention, yielding insight into how a lifestyle intervention may be an effective adjunct in improving patient quality of life.