Uterine fibroids

Overview

Vitamin D and N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC) have been studied for uterine fibroids with preliminary positive findings. Low vitamin D is linked to fibroids, and supplementation at various doses for two to 12 months may slightly shrink fibroid size, by about 6% in one study.

Early NAC research found 600 mg daily for 12 weeks reduced fibroid size by about 25% compared with roughly 1% on placebo, and may ease painful and heavy periods. Both supplements carry low ratings. See the heatmap and evidence reviews below for more detail.

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Relevant supplements

Relevant supplements sorted by DEX Score.


Vitamin D	★★★★★	Low
N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC)	★★★★★	Low

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Studies

Find individual evidence reviews for supplements sorted by DEX Score.

2 supplements for rated at least stars. All purchase bands. No minimum star filter.

Vitamin DView supplement →

Reconsider purchase★★★★★

How we scored this

Effect SizeLowEvidenceMediumTrustMedium

Evidence Review

Low vitamin D levels are linked to uterine fibroids, and some research shows that taking vitamin D might slightly shrink fibroids.
Studies have found that taking vitamin D either as 50,000 IU weekly or every two weeks for 2 to 3 months, or 1000 IU daily for 1 year, reduced the size of fibroids compared to no treatment or placebo.
One study found that fibroids were about 6% smaller with vitamin D. People with uterine fibroids are more likely to have low vitamin D levels and a higher chance of vitamin D deficiency.

Browse 2 studies2 meta-analyses

MetaEffect of Oral Consumption of Vitamin D on Uterine Fibroids: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials2024n=511

A systematic review and meta-analysis of RCTs in 511 women found vitamin D supplementation did not significantly reduce uterine fibroid size versus control.

Effect: No Benefit
Population: Women
Participants: 511

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MetaThe Association of Vitamin D with Uterine Fibroids in Premenopausal Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis2024n=5,650

A systematic review of 5,650 premenopausal women found lower vitamin D associated with uterine fibroid presence but supplementation trials showed inconsistent effects on fibroid growth.

Effect: Benefit
Duration: 12 weeks
Population: Women
Participants: 5,650

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N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC)View supplement →

Reconsider purchase★★★★★

How we scored this

Effect SizeLowEvidenceLowTrustMedium

Evidence Review

It’s not yet clear if N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) helps with uterine fibroids.
Early research shows that taking 600 mg of NAC daily for 12 weeks can reduce the size of fibroids by about 25%, compared to about 1% with a placebo.
NAC also helps reduce painful and heavy periods.

Browse 1 study