Diet and risk of endometriosis: A systematic review and meta-analysis study

Abstract

Context: Given the role of nutrition and food, as well as environmental pollutants in the probability of developing endometriosis, this study aimed to identify the risk factors and preventive factors in a systematic review and meta-analysis. Evidence Acquisition: In this study, available references were searched for the relevant articles published “between” 2000 - 2015. Among a total of 357 articles extracted from primary studies, 5 articles were finally selected for meta-analysis, which were ultimately analyzed for the effect of dietary factors and risk of endometriosis on 73,102 cases (2,608 cases and 70,494 controls). Results: Systematic review and meta-analysis of the studies indicated that calcium intake OR: 0.99, (95% CI: 0.83 - 1.18), milk OR: 0.90 (95% CI: 0.65 - 1.23), eggs OR: 1.01(95% CI: 0.81 - 1.28), bacon OR: 1.26 (95% CI: 0.60 - 2.65), red meat OR: 1.26 (95% CI 0.73 - 2.18), increase the risk of endometriosis. Conclusions: Evidence shows a need to improve the understanding of the impact of dietary components on the risk of endometriosis to modify and prevent this disease. Futhermore, more studies are required and recommended to clarify the role of diet in the incidence and progression of endometriosis.