Serum Micronutrient Concentrations and Risk of Uterine Fibroids

Citation

Martin, Chantel L.; Huber, Larissa R. Brunner; Thompson, Michael E.; & Racine, Elizabeth F. (2011). Serum Micronutrient Concentrations and Risk of Uterine Fibroids. Journal of Women's Health, 20(6), 915-922.

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Although uterine fibroids are among the most common gynecologic conditions affecting women in the United States, research on uterine fibroids is sparse. This study explored the association between micronutrients and uterine fibroids.
METHODS: We conducted a population-based, cross-sectional analysis of 887 women aged 20-49 who participated in the 2003-2004 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Serum micronutrient levels were collected during the health examinations, and information on uterine fibroids was assessed on self-reported questionnaires. Multivariate logistic regression was used to calculate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) while controlling for confounders.
RESULTS: A statistically significant dose-response relationship was observed between vitamin A and uterine fibroids, after adjustment for age, race, education, body mass index (BMI), and oral contraceptive (OC) use (middle vs. low: OR 2.43, 95% CI 1.35-4.37; high vs. low: OR 2.66, 95% CI 1.16-6.10, p for trend=0.02). After adjustment, a dose-response relationship also emerged for vitamin C, although these associations were not statistically significant.
CONCLUSIONS: It is possible that certain micronutrients affect uterine fibroid development. If this is confirmed in large prospective studies, clinicians could advise susceptible populations on dietary changes to reduce their risk of uterine fibroids.

URL

http://dx.doi.org/10.1089/jwh.2009.1782

Reference Type

Journal Article

Year Published

2011

Journal Title

Journal of Women's Health

Author(s)

Martin, Chantel L.
Huber, Larissa R. Brunner
Thompson, Michael E.
Racine, Elizabeth F.

ORCiD

Martin, C. - 0000-0003-1907-0810