Vitamin D has been shown to be beneficial for many health conditions. A new study released in 2013 revealed yet another benefit: women with adequate vitamin D levels had lower rates of uterine fibroids.
Uterine fibroids are non-cancerous growths of the muscle in the uterus. They may often lead to abnormally high bleeding during or between menses, difficulty with pregnancy, as well as pain with pressure, particularly pain during intercourse. Treatment for fibroids may require a surgical procedure, and is the leading cause of hysterectomy ( removal of the uterus ) for women in the United States.
Results showed that women obtaining the recommended amount of vitamin D had a 32% lower rate of uterine fibroids. Women who received one-hour exposure to sunlight per day had a 40% lower rate.
All women are at risk for developing fibroids. Their growth is relatively slow, and may take years to develop symptoms. The findings suggest that maintaining adequate vitamin D levels early in life might help prevent the actual development or slow the rate of growth of fibroids.
The skin when exposed to sunlight naturally produces Vitamin D. Concerns for skin cancer have resulted in no official recommendations for sun exposure by the medical community. Mushrooms, fortified milk, eggs and fish are excellent sources of vitamin D. Cheese has relatively low levels of vitamin D as a result of its natural processing. Most yogurts have no vitamin D, unless specifically stated in the label. Dannon and Yoplait are two of the leading brands that fortify their yogurts.
Supplements are an efficient source of vitamin D, but care must be taken to avoid obtaining more than 4,ooo International Units ( IU ) per day as such high levels might be dangerous. General recommendations by the FDA are for women to obtain from 400 to 1,000 IU's per day.
Considering the many health benefits of vitamin D, it should be a part of everyone's diet.
Vitamin D might interfere with many medications, especially those used for blood pressure and heart disease. You must consult with your physician before starting a vitamin D3 supplement regimen.
Uterine fibroids are non-cancerous growths of the muscle in the uterus. They may often lead to abnormally high bleeding during or between menses, difficulty with pregnancy, as well as pain with pressure, particularly pain during intercourse. Treatment for fibroids may require a surgical procedure, and is the leading cause of hysterectomy ( removal of the uterus ) for women in the United States.
Results showed that women obtaining the recommended amount of vitamin D had a 32% lower rate of uterine fibroids. Women who received one-hour exposure to sunlight per day had a 40% lower rate.
All women are at risk for developing fibroids. Their growth is relatively slow, and may take years to develop symptoms. The findings suggest that maintaining adequate vitamin D levels early in life might help prevent the actual development or slow the rate of growth of fibroids.
The skin when exposed to sunlight naturally produces Vitamin D. Concerns for skin cancer have resulted in no official recommendations for sun exposure by the medical community. Mushrooms, fortified milk, eggs and fish are excellent sources of vitamin D. Cheese has relatively low levels of vitamin D as a result of its natural processing. Most yogurts have no vitamin D, unless specifically stated in the label. Dannon and Yoplait are two of the leading brands that fortify their yogurts.
Supplements are an efficient source of vitamin D, but care must be taken to avoid obtaining more than 4,ooo International Units ( IU ) per day as such high levels might be dangerous. General recommendations by the FDA are for women to obtain from 400 to 1,000 IU's per day.
Considering the many health benefits of vitamin D, it should be a part of everyone's diet.
Vitamin D might interfere with many medications, especially those used for blood pressure and heart disease. You must consult with your physician before starting a vitamin D3 supplement regimen.
