The association of food consumption and nutrient intake‎ with endometriosis risk in Iranian women: A case-control study

Endometriosis, defined as the attendance of endometrial-like lesions in extra uterine locations, causes pain, infertility, and reduced quality of life.

To evaluate the relationship between food consumption and nutrient intake with risk of endometriosis.

Of the 156 women approached for the study, 78 women had endometriosis and 78 healthy women were included in the control group. Dietary data were collected using a validated 147-item semi-quantitative Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ) with the standard serving size. A logistic regression model was used to determine the association of macronutrients and energy intake with the risk of endometriosis.

In women with higher intake of protein, especially animal protein, monounsaturated fatty acids, soluble and insoluble fiber, oleic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid, and docosahexaenoic acid endometriosis is less common (p< 0.05). High consumption of vegetables, fruits, red meat, yellow vegetables, potatoes, legumes, dairy products, liquid oil, and low intake of fried potatoes was associated with a lower risk of endometriosis (p< 0.05).

Regarding the association of dietary intake on endometriosis risk, counseling about improving the dietary structure can contribute toward the prevention and control of endometriosis.