Pnm-12: Nutrition and Endometriosis

Background: Endometriosis has a significant impact on women's quality of life. The aim of this study by reviewing the literature is to discover the impact of diet on endometriosis. Materials and Methods: Searching databases was Cochrane, Pub-med, library studies, and research website of leading researchers in the world from 2002 to early 2012. Results: The literature search shows that certain components of the diet may be associated with the risk of endometriosis. Recent study of the relationship between endometriosis and low intake of fruits and vegetables and dairy products, and high consumption of saturated fats, ham, beef and other red meats are raised. Endometriosis is an estrogen-dependent disease.A vegetarian diet would supposedly raise serum ligand and sex hormone carrier protein levels, thus reducing the available estrogen concentration. Vitamins, especially vitamin B complex, magnesium and omega-3 play an anti-inflammatory in patients with endometriosis. Diets based on fruits, vegetables, vitamins, magnesium, and omega-3 reduces animal protein intake and therefore reduces the excess of body fat and estrogen peripheral production. On the other hand another study showed an increased risk of endometriosis with β-carotene and higher servings of fruit/d, but these findings have not been confirmed elsewhere and require further evaluation in a prospective investigation. Conclusion: According to the impact of endometriosis on quality of life in women and its relation to diet, prospective studies on various diets recommended.