Endometriosis which grow somewhere else other than the endometrium also reacts to hormonal signals of the monthly menstrual cycle by building up tissue, breaking it, and eliminating it through the menstrual period. As we know, nutritional supplements play a very important role in treating endometriosis. In this article, we will discuss how vitamins help to treat endometriosis.

A. Vitamin A

I. Definition
Vitamin A is a bi-polar molecule formed by bonds between carbon and hydrogen. It is a fat soluble vitamin. This means it can not be stored in the liver but it can be converted from beta-carotene, a powerful antioxidant. Besides helping in treating endometriosis, it is also known to have strong effects in improving vision and enhancing bone growth.

II. Vitamin A and endometriosis
a) Vitamin A is a very powerful antioxidant that not only helps to strengthen the immune system, but also protects against the growth of endometriosis.

b) Vitamin A helps in regulating the gene expression by fighting against the forming of free radicals and protecting the body organs from abnormal growth of endometrial implants and adhesion.

c) Red blood cell production
Vitamin A working together with iron helps to aid the production of red blood cells and improve the oxygen level in the circulation of blood which is necessary for the body’s cells. This results in a stronger immune system as well as protecting the forming of abnormal cells.

d) Working together with Zinc
Zinc deficiency interferes with
a) Vitamin A function of protein synthesis and fatty acid metabolism.
b) Reducing the activity of enzyme that release vitamin A palmitate from the liver causing a weakened immune system fighting against the forming of free radicals, and endometrial implants, and adhesion.

e) Work together with iron
Iron is necessary for production of red blood cells that carry oxygen in the blood stream for the body’s cells. Women who have endometriosis with heavy blood loss during menstruation normally have iron deficiency because of loss of iron which is far greater than what the body can produce leading to anemia. Intake of vitamin A and iron will increase the production of red blood cells far better than taking iron supplements alone.
Remember, overloading on zinc or iron is toxic to our body. Please make sure to talk to your doctor for the correct amount.

B. Vitamin B1

I. Definition
Vitamin B1 is one of the members of the vitamin B complex, it is also known as thiamin or thiamine. It’s most common form is a colorless chemical compound with the formula C12H17N4OS. It was discovered in 1910 by Umetaro Suzuki in Japan. It is a water soluble vitamin, therefore it can be stored in the body and is required to be taken regularly.

II. How Vitamin B1 benefits women with endometriosis
Women with endometriosis are found to have vitamin B complex deficiency during the menstrual cycle. It is not known if it is caused by unhealthy diet or the inability of digestive absorption.
a) Level of estrogen
Vitamin B1 helps to detoxify the liver which may be caused by intake of of alcohol, smoking and heavy metals. A strong liver is particularly important for secretion of cholesterol in breaking down estrogen that causes menstrual cramps as well as hormone balancing in the body.

b) Immune system
Vitamin B1 is an antioxidant that helps to strengthen the immune system against the forming of free radicals, endometrial implants, and adhesion somewhere else in the body except the endometrium.

c) Red blood cells
Study shows that vitamin B1 helps to normalize the activity of an enzyme called transketolase in red blood cells resulting in increased amounts of the two proteins THTR-1 and RFC-1 which helps to transport thiamine into red blood cells. This increases the production of red blood cells in the bloodstream.

d) Nervous system
It helps to reduce tension of the nervous system as a resulting of converting carbohydrates to energy which is necessary for the proper functions of the nervous system. Thereby it reduces symptoms of endometriosis in some women such as anxiety, depression, and mood swings.

e) Intestine muscle tone
Vitamin B1 helps to secrete hydrochloric acid in the stomach which is essential for the complete digestion of food particles and decreases the risk of nutrient deficiency causing hormone imbalance in the menstrual cycle. (more…)