The relationship between fat-soluble vitamins and uterine fibroids: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Uterine fibroids (UF) is a common gynecology tumor that in some cases may require hysterectomy. It is hypothesized that deficiency in fat-soluble vitamins might be a risk factor for UF. The aim of this systematic review was to evaluate the relationship between fat-soluble vitamins and UFs. METHODS: This systematic review was conducted on published articles in PubMed and Web of Science till Feb 2024 using a comprehensive search strategy. RESULTS: Of the initial 9161 identified articles, 31 (overall population of 55189 participants), including 17 case-control studies, 6 clinical trials, four cross-sectional studies, three cohort studies, and one Mendelian epidemiological study were reviewed. Majority of the studies evaluated the relationship between serum vitamin D and UF incidence and size. None of the reviewed studies evaluated the relationship between vitamin K and UF. CONCLUSIONS: Vitamin D supplementation and intake of animal sources of vitamin A could reduce UF size. There is not enough evidence regarding the effect of vitamin K and E on UF size.