Abstract
Background: Uterine fibroids significantly affect the quality of life of reproductive-age women. The socioeconomic cost and psychological strain on patients cannot be overemphasized. The role of diet and micronutrients on the onset and development of uterine fibroids has come under review in recent times. This study assessed the levels of some micronutrients and trace elements in the serum of women with uterine fibroids.Methods: Eighty-eight women were recruited from the Gynecology Outpatient Clinic of Lagos University Teaching Hospital, 44 with uterine fibroids and 44 women without uterine fibroids. Blood samples were obtained and analyzed for serum levels of selected micronutrients (vitamins A, C, D, and E) and trace elements (calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus). Pelvic ultrasonography was performed on all study participants.Results: Women with uterine fibroids had statistically significant lower serum levels of vitamin C (1.20 ± 0.59 vs 1.62 ± 1.75 mg/dl; p = 0.01), vitamin D (34.23 ±10.67 vs 37.06 ±11.46 ng/ml; p = 0.04), and calcium (2.27 ± 0.19 vs 2.32 ± 0.09 mmol/L; p = 0.02) compared with women without uterine fibroids. There was no significant difference in the serum levels of vitamins A (39.63 ± 15.71 vs 40.09 ±15.26 μ/dl; p = 0.91), vitamin E (5.44 ± 4.65 vs 5.26 ± 4.62 µg/mL; p = 0.87), magnesium (0.89 ± 0.09 vs 0.89 ± 0.08 mmol/L; p = 0.78), and phosphorus (1.29 ± 0.38 vs 1.19 ± 0.17 mmol/L; p = 0.14) in women with uterine fibroids compared to those without uterine fibroids.Conclusion: This study showed lower serum levels of vitamin C, vitamin D, and calcium in women with uterine fibroids when compared to women without uterine fibroids. It is possible that these micronutrients and trace elements may play a role in the etiopathogenesis, progression, and/or proliferation of uterine fibroids. However, whether the findings of low serum levels of these elements are a cause or an effect of uterine fibroid, is yet to be determined.
Highlights
Uterine fibroids are benign gynecological tumors seen in reproductive-age women and the most common indication for hysterectomy globally [1]
Women with uterine fibroids had statistically significantly lower serum levels of vitamin C, vitamin D, and calcium when compared with women without uterine fibroids
There was no significant difference in the serum levels of vitamins A, vitamin E, magnesium, and phosphorus in women with uterine fibroids when compared with those without uterine fibroids
Summary
Uterine fibroids are benign gynecological tumors seen in reproductive-age women and the most common indication for hysterectomy globally [1]. Women with symptomatic uterine fibroids present with a history of heavy menstrual bleeding, abnormal uterine bleeding, pelvic pressure symptoms like urinary frequency, incontinence, constipation, and tenesmus and pelvic pain. It is a disease of public health importance as its impact on the quality of life, loss of work hours, short-term disability, absenteeism and psychological strain on patients cannot be overemphasized. Collectively known as micronutrients play very important roles in metabolism and tissue maintenance, with most of them functioning as cofactors, coenzymes, gene control, and antioxidants. This study assessed the levels of some micronutrients and trace elements in the serum of women with uterine fibroids
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