The relationship between functional ovarian cysts and vitamin A, vitamin E, and folate intake

This study aimed to clarify the relationship between functional ovarian cysts and vitamin A, vitamin E, and folate intake. This case-control study evaluated 265 women of reproductive age who presented at gynaecology clinics of three hospitals in Mashhad, Iran. While women in the ovarian cyst group [n=132] had functional ovarian cysts, control group [n=133] consisted of women without functional ovarian cysts. The participants' vitamin A, vitamin E, and folate intake was assessed using the Food Frequency Questionnaire. Results showed that folate intake was significantly higher in the ovarian cyst group [p=.040]. No significant differences in vitamin A and vitamin E intake were observed between the two groups [p=.950 and .230, respectively]. It is concluded that women with functional ovarian cysts had significantly higher folate intake. Vitamin A and vitamin E intake had no significant effects on the incidence of these cysts.