What Vitamins Shrink Fibroids? A Nutritional Guide to Uterine Health

October 3, 2025 •

4 min read

According to research, up to 80% of women develop uterine fibroids at some point in their lives, though not all experience symptoms. For many, managing these growths involves understanding the role of nutrition. The question of what vitamins shrink fibroids is common, and emerging evidence points to specific nutrients that may help inhibit growth and alleviate symptoms when combined with a balanced diet.

Quick Summary

This article examines the scientific evidence regarding specific vitamins and dietary compounds, particularly vitamin D, that may influence fibroid growth. It explains how a balanced diet and targeted nutrients can support uterine health and help manage symptoms.

Key Points

Vitamin D is the most promising vitamin: Multiple studies suggest vitamin D deficiency is linked to fibroid growth and that supplementation may inhibit fibroid cell proliferation and reduce tumor size, particularly in deficient individuals.
Green tea extract (EGCG) can be effective: A pilot study found that a combination of EGCG, vitamin D, and vitamin B6 resulted in a significant reduction in fibroid volume.
Vitamin A's role is debated: Some research links higher vitamin A intake to a lower risk of fibroids, while other findings are contradictory. The retinoid derivatives of vitamin A have shown promise in lab studies.
Other vitamins have limited direct impact: While vitamins C and E have antioxidant benefits, current evidence does not strongly support their ability to shrink fibroids. B vitamins are more crucial for managing symptoms like anemia.
Dietary changes are crucial: A high-fiber, plant-based diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and low-fat dairy can help regulate hormones and manage weight, which are important factors in fibroid growth.
Dietary changes are not a cure: Diet alone cannot cure or eliminate fibroids. It is a supportive strategy that should be combined with medical treatment and managed under a doctor's supervision.

The Role of Vitamin D in Fibroid Management

Research strongly indicates that vitamin D deficiency is associated with an increased risk and growth of uterine fibroids. The 'sunshine vitamin' functions as a potent anti-tumor agent, inhibiting fibroid cell growth through several key mechanisms. A systematic review found that preclinical studies showed vitamin D treatment could decrease the proliferation and growth of fibroid cells. This anti-proliferative effect is thought to work by down-regulating estrogen and progesterone receptors, which are known to promote fibroid growth.

Several clinical trials have investigated the effects of vitamin D supplementation on fibroid size, especially in women with a pre-existing deficiency. A 2019 clinical trial in Iran found that after 10 weeks of supplementation, women with vitamin D deficiency experienced a significant decrease in fibroid size compared to a placebo group. Another study noted a slight but not statistically significant reduction in fibroid volume after 12 weeks, although it did effectively inhibit fibroid growth.

Foods rich in vitamin D include fatty fish (such as salmon and mackerel), fortified dairy products, and egg yolks. Adequate sun exposure is also a primary source. Supplementation, however, is often necessary, especially for those with darker skin or who live in less sunny climates.

Other Natural Compounds and Vitamins

While vitamin D has the most robust evidence for directly inhibiting fibroid growth, other natural compounds and dietary components also play a supportive role in managing fibroids. This is often accomplished through antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, or hormone-balancing properties.

Green Tea (EGCG): The polyphenol epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) found in green tea has shown significant promise. In a pilot study, a combination of green tea extract (300 mg EGCG), vitamin D, and vitamin B6 significantly reduced the mean size of fibroids in women over 90 days. EGCG has antiproliferative effects and helps combat inflammation and high estrogen levels.

Vitamin A and Carotenoids: The findings on vitamin A's role are contradictory, with some studies suggesting an inverse association with fibroid risk, particularly with animal-derived vitamin A (preformed). However, the retinoid derivatives of vitamin A have been shown in in-vitro studies to inhibit fibroid cell growth and promote apoptosis. A diet rich in carotenoids, such as lycopene found in tomatoes, has also been linked to a reduced risk.

B Vitamins: The primary role of B vitamins in fibroid management is not directly linked to shrinking tumors but rather to supporting overall health. For instance, B vitamins and iron are particularly important for women who experience heavy bleeding, as this can lead to anemia.

Other Beneficial Compounds:

Curcumin: The active ingredient in turmeric, curcumin possesses antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that can protect against fibroid formation and growth.
Quercetin & Indole-3-carbinol (I3C): These plant-derived compounds found in cruciferous vegetables and onions, respectively, have shown anti-fibrotic and anti-migratory effects on uterine leiomyomas.

Comparing Vitamins and Compounds for Fibroid Management


Nutrient/Compound	Primary Action for Fibroids	Evidence for Shrinkage	Food Sources
Vitamin D	Inhibits cell proliferation, reduces estrogen receptors, has anti-fibrotic effects.	Strongest evidence, with clinical studies showing significant size reduction, especially in deficient women.	Fatty fish, fortified dairy, egg yolks, sun exposure.
Green Tea (EGCG)	Antiproliferative, reduces inflammation and estrogen levels.	Significant size reduction in combination with Vitamin D and B6 shown in pilot studies.	Green tea.
Vitamin A / Retinoids	Inhibits cell growth and promotes apoptosis (in-vitro studies).	Inconsistent data in human studies, but preformed vitamin A linked to lower risk.	Animal liver, milk, fatty fish. Carotenoids from carrots, sweet potatoes, greens.
Curcumin	Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-carcinogenic properties.	Promotes apoptosis and inhibits proliferation in leiomyoma cells (in-vitro).	Turmeric.
Vitamin C	Antioxidant, cofactor in collagen synthesis.	Inconsistent findings on direct impact, though lower serum levels are noted in some women with fibroids.	Citrus fruits, broccoli, tomatoes, bell peppers.
Vitamin E	Antioxidant, but potentially phytoestrogenic.	Insufficient and contradictory data in human studies; some evidence of promoting fibroid growth at high levels.	Vegetable oils, nuts, leafy greens.
B Vitamins	Supports metabolism and oxygen transport.	Minimal to no known effect on fibroid size itself, primarily for managing symptoms like anemia.	Whole grains, eggs, legumes, leafy greens.

Practical Dietary Recommendations

Beyond targeted vitamins, a holistic approach to nutrition is vital for managing fibroid symptoms and potentially slowing their growth. A diet rich in fiber, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables can help with hormone regulation and weight management, which are important factors.

Foods to prioritize:

High-fiber foods: Aids in the removal of excess estrogen. Include whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and beans.
Cruciferous vegetables: Contains compounds like I3C that aid in estrogen detoxification. Examples include broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbage.
Omega-3 fatty acids: Reduces inflammation. Found in fatty fish like salmon and chia seeds.
Low-fat dairy: Good source of calcium, which may help prevent fibroids and slow growth.

Foods to limit or avoid:

Red meat: May increase estrogen levels.
High-fat dairy: Some studies suggest limiting consumption of high-fat dairy products.
Alcohol: Can worsen fibroid symptoms.
Refined carbohydrates and sugar: Spikes insulin and can contribute to weight gain, affecting hormone balance.

Conclusion

While a direct answer to what vitamins shrink fibroids points most promisingly to vitamin D, especially for those with a deficiency, diet alone cannot be considered a cure. Emerging evidence also highlights the potential of green tea (EGCG), curcumin, and retinoids to play a role in inhibiting fibroid growth. A comprehensive approach that incorporates a balanced, nutrient-rich diet, supplements as advised by a healthcare provider, and other medical or lifestyle treatments offers the best strategy for managing uterine fibroids and their symptoms. Remember to always consult with a doctor before starting any new supplement regimen.

Resources

For further reading on the effects of vitamin D on fibroids and the potential of non-hormonal treatments, consult the following resource from the National Institutes of Health: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8880543/

Frequently Asked Questions

No, diet and vitamins are not a cure for fibroids. While specific vitamins, particularly vitamin D, may help inhibit growth or even shrink tumors to some degree, especially in cases of deficiency, they are not a substitute for medical treatment and should be used under a doctor’s guidance.

Vitamin D influences fibroid growth by inhibiting cell proliferation, reducing the expression of estrogen and progesterone receptors, and promoting apoptosis (cell death) in fibroid cells. A deficiency is correlated with an increased risk of fibroids.

Yes. Some research indicates that high concentrations of certain compounds, like the vitamin E vitamer α-tocopherol, may be a risk factor for fibroid growth in some women. It is best to consult a healthcare provider before taking any new supplements.

Yes, green tea contains the polyphenol EGCG, which has shown antiproliferative effects on fibroid cells in studies. When combined with vitamins D and B6, it has been shown to reduce fibroid volume.

Besides vitamin D and EGCG, compounds like curcumin (from turmeric), quercetin, and Indole-3-carbinol (from cruciferous vegetables) have shown anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-fibrotic properties that may be beneficial.

Fibroid growth is often linked to high estrogen levels. A diet rich in fiber helps the body eliminate excess estrogen, while certain foods can help regulate hormones. Maintaining a healthy weight also helps, as fat cells produce more estrogen.

A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and other nutrient-dense foods is always the foundation for good health. However, if a deficiency exists, particularly with vitamin D, supplements may be recommended by a healthcare provider to achieve therapeutic levels that diet alone may not provide.