Evaluation of the role of dietary flavonoid intake in the risk of endometriosis among Iranian women

Flavonoids include a large number of plant-based polyphenolic compounds with antioxidant, anti-estrogenic, anti-mutation, and anti-proliferative effects. This study was conducted to evaluate the relationship between endometriosis and dietary flavonoid intake among Iranian women referring to Arash Hospital, Tehran, Iran,from May 2016 to February 2017. This case-control study was conducted on 156 women (78 women diagnosed with endometriosis after laparoscopy and 78 healthy women) in Arash Hospital. The dietary data of the subjects were obtained using a 147-item semi-quantitative Food Frequency Questionnaire a year before the interview. The USDA tables were used to determine the type and amount of flavonoids per 100 g of each food item. Data were analyzed using the Chi-square، t-tests, and logistic regression model. After the adjustments of the confounding variable, it was revealed that individuals who had a higher intake of total flavonoids ‎(P=0.001)‎ were less likely to have endometriosis‎. Among the subgroups of flavonoids, the only intake of flavanone ‎(P=0.04)‎ was significantly associated with ‎endometriosis risk. Regarding different food groups, flavonoid was significantly lower in the dairy product ‎(P=0.02), adviser ‎(P=0.001), and fruit ‎(P=0.03), compared to that of the control group. Regarding the influence of flavonoid intake on endometriosis pathogenesis, it can be concluded that a higher intake of flavonoids can contribute to the prevention and control of endometriosis. Therefore, it is recommended to conduct counseling sessions about the benefits of flavonoid intake for such patients.