Does Nutrition Affect Endometriosis?

Abstract

Endometriosis is a hormone-related, chronic inflammation in women of childbearing age. The aetiology and pathogenesis of endometriosis are not yet fully understood. For other illnesses classed as lifestyle diseases, the link between nutrition and pathogenesis has already been researched and proven. With regard to these findings, the question continues to arise as to whether and how a specific diet and lifestyle could also influence pathogenesis and the progression of endometriosis. The aim of this review is to examine the data and determine what influence nutrition has on the development of endometriosis or on existing disease. The study results currently available do not permit a clear, scientific recommendation or indicate a detailed diet. In summary, it can be said that fish oil capsules in combination with vitamin B ₁₂ have been associated with a positive effect on endometriosis symptoms (particularly of dysmenorrhoea). Alcohol and increased consumption of red meat and trans fats are associated with a negative effect. The results of the studies listed with regard to fruit and vegetables, dairy products, unsaturated fats, fibre, soy products and coffee are not clear. Therefore, the general recommendations for a balanced and varied diet in line with the guidelines of the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Ernährung e. V. [German Nutrition Society] apply, along with the recommendation to cut out alcohol. In order to be able to derive more concrete recommendations, we require further studies to investigate the influence of nutrition on endometriosis.

Introduction

Endometriosis is a hormone-related, chronic inflammation in women. Approximately 27 000 women were treated in hospital for endometriosis in Germany in 2016 1 . The prevalence is much higher, however, affecting between 5 and 15% of women of childbearing age 2 . It is characterised by the presence of endometriotic cell clusters outside of the uterine cavity 3 . Typically, they are found in small pockets in the lesser pelvis (endometriosis genitalis interna: recto-uterine pouch, ovaries, Fallopian tubes). External manifestations (endometriosis extragenitalis: scar endometriosis, pulmonary, intestinal) have also been described, but are rare 4 . To date, the aetiology and pathogenesis of endometriosis are not yet fully understood 5 ,  6 . However, immunological, endocrinal, genetic and inflammation factors all appear to play a significant role in its pathogenesis 7 ,  8 ,  9 ,  10 . The main symptom is chronic pain in the abdomen and 30 – 50% of women experience infertility. This may be accompanied by dysmenorrhoea, dyspareunia, dysuria and dyschezia 11 . The presence of endometriosis may affect and restrict a womanʼs physical, mental and social well-being 8 . The symptoms are diverse and are often only recognised much later as endometriosis. On average, a woman waits ten years until diagnosis in Germany and Austria 12 . The gold standard is a diagnostic laparoscopy with biopsy in order to confirm endometriosis histologically. Treatment options include surgical removal of the endometriosis lesions and/or drug-based treatment. There are also a range of complementary therapies available 11 . The average treatment costs per woman in ten countries amounted to EUR 9579 per year 13 .

Pathogenesis of Endometriosis and Potential Dietary Strategies

The aetiology and pathogenesis of endometriosis are not yet fully understood. A range of theories as to the pathogenesis of the disease can be found in the literature. One frequently mentioned theory is the transplantation/implantation theory postulated by Sampson in 1921. This theory states that endometriosis is caused by the antegrade and retrograde dispersal of endometrial cells as a result of menstruation. Another hypothesis is the tissue injury and repair hypothesis, according to which autonomic muscle movements cause microtrauma to the endometrium, causing the loose endometrial cells to be carried away. The subsequent repair mechanisms then increase the intrauterine movement, thus creating a vicious circle by which more loose endometrial cells are transported away 14 . In 1919, R. Meyer postulated the metaplasia theory. He believed that the endometrial cells resulted from oestrogen-triggered peritoneal stem cells. Finally, there is also the theory of lymphogenic or haematogenic dispersion of endometrial cells. At a cellular level, all of these theories result in an inflammation response 10 ,  15 . The factors that further facilitate this inflammation require additional, intensive research.

For other illnesses classed as lifestyle diseases (such as coronary heart disease, type 2 diabetes), the link between nutrition and pathogenesis has already been researched and proven. With regard to these findings, the question continues to arise as to whether and how a specific diet and lifestyle could also influence pathogenesis and the progression of endometriosis 7 ,  16 ,  17 .

The aim of this review is therefore to examine the multifaceted and complex data on the topic of “nutrition and endometriosis” and to determine what influence nutrition has on the development of endometriosis or on existing disease. Two questions in particular are of interest:

1. Can endometriosis be prevented with the right nutrition (preventive approach)?

2. Does diet influence manifest endometriosis or the postoperative condition (therapeutic approach)?

Methods

A systematic literature review was conducted in PubMed for this report. The review considered articles published since 2000 and listed under the following key words: “endometriosis” in combination with “nutrition”, “diet”, “fruits”, “vegetables”, “fatty acids”, “meat”, “alcohol”, “lifestyle”, “caffeine”, “dairy” and “vitamins”. The analysis looked at three existing reviews as well as two meta analyses, six case-control studies, two randomised trials and four prospective cohort studies as part of the Nursesʼ Health Study II ( Table 1 ).

Table 1  Overview of the studies and articles included in this review.

Literature	Structure
Case-control studies
Britton et al., 2000	Case study group (n = 673): Women aged between 18 and 74 with confirmed endometrial cysts (n = 280) and women with benign ovarian tumours (n = 393) Control group (n = 351): Women without ovarian or endometrial tumours
Parazzini et al., 2004	Case study group (n = 504): Women aged between 20 and 65 with confirmed endometriosis Control group (n = 504): Women aged between 20 and 61 with no gynaecological disorders
Heilier et al., 2007	Case study group (n = 176): Women with confirmed endometriosis Control group (n = 88): Women without endometriosis
Tsuchiya et al., 2007	Case study group (n = 79): Women with confirmed endometriosis Control group (n = 69): healthy women
Trabert et al., 2011	Case study group (n = 284): Women aged between 20 and 65 with confirmed endometriosis Control group (n = 660): healthy women
Savaris et al., 2011	Case study group (n = 25): Women with confirmed endometriosis, grades I – IV Control group (n = 20): Women with no gynaecological disorders
Khanaki et al., 2012	Case study group (n = 64): Women with confirmed endometriosis Control group (n = 74): Women of childbearing age with no gynaecological disorders
Prospective cohort studies Evaluation of the Nursesʼ Health Study II; premenopausal women aged between 25 and 42
Missmer et al., 2010	586 153 person-years; 1 199 cases with endometriosis confirmed by laparoscopy Control group (n = 69 510): healthy women
Harris et al., 2013	737 712 person-years; 1 385 cases with endometriosis confirmed by laparoscopy Control group (n = 70 556): healthy women
Harris et al., 2018	840 012 person-years; 2 609 cases with endometriosis confirmed by laparoscopy Control group (n = 70 385): healthy women
Yamamoto et al., 2018	1 019 294 person-years; 3 800 cases with endometriosis confirmed by laparoscopy Control group (n = 81 908): healthy women
Cross-sectional study
Hopeman et al., 2015	205 people from the database, 25 of whom had histologically confirmed endometriosis
Randomised studies
Deutch et al., 2007	78 women aged between 16 and 39 with dysmenorrhoea treated for three months either with placebo (n = 18), seal oil capsules (n = 23), fish oil capsules (n = 19) or with fish oil capsules and vitamin B 12 (n = 18)
Sesti et al., 2013	222 women with endometriosis grade III – IV who were treated postoperatively with immunosuppressives (n = 69), dietary supplements (n = 35) or with placebo (n = 110)
Meta-analyses
Chiaffarino et al., 2014	6 case-control studies, 2 cohort studies
Parazzini et al., 2013	14 case-control studies, 1 cohort study
Reviews
Hansen et al., 2007	23 studies, of which n = 12 “Endometriosis and diet” and n = 11 “Dysmenorrhoea and diet”
Parazzini et al., 2013	11 case-control studies, 2 prospective cohort studies
Jurkiewicz-Przondziono et al., 2017	12 case-control studies, 2 prospective cohort studies

Review

1. Do certain foods or nutrients affect the risk of developing endometriosis?

The section below deals with the latest study data, investigating whether, and to what extent, various nutrients or dietary components may affect the occurrence of endometriosis (preventive effect). The various components are listed separately below.

Vegetables

According to one hypothesis, eating lots of vegetables may help to reduce the risk of developing endometriosis. DNA methylation on specific genes involved in the pathogenesis of endometriosis is believed to be responsible 18 . On the other hand, pollutants such as pesticides are suspected of being harmful to health and facilitating the development of endometriosis 19 .

Two major case-control studies considered this hypothesis (Parazzini et al. 20 , Trabert et al. 21 ) postulated divergent results ( Table 2 ). While Parazzini et al. observed a lower risk (OR 0.3; 95% CI 0.2 – 0.5, p _trend  = 0.0001), Trabert et al. found no significant differences between women consuming a high amount of green vegetables and women consuming low amounts. Harris et al. 22 were not able to determine any benefits of a vegetable-rich diet in their 2018 prospective survey as part of the Nursesʼ Health Study II. On the contrary, women consuming ≥ 1 portion cruciferous vegetables per day had a 13% higher risk of developing endometriosis (95% CI 0.95 – 1.34; p _trend  = 0.03). The authors explain this with the assumption that the presence or exacerbation of endometriosis-related pain may be linked to gastrointestinal symptoms.

Table 2  Effects of fruit and vegetable consumption on the occurrence of endometriosis (data from Jurkiewicz-Przondziono et al. 9 ).

Literature	Vegetables	Fruit
▴ = increased risk, ▾ = decreased risk
Parazzini et al., 2004	p trend  = 0.0001 ▾	p trend  = 0.002 ▴
Trabert et al., 2011	Not significant	p trend  = 0.04 ▴
Harris et al., 2018	Insignificant, or for cruciferous vegetables ▴ (p trend  = 0.03)	p trend  = 0.004 ▾

Fruit

Fruit contains antioxidants, which reduce oxygen free radicals thus having the potential to reduce inflammation (reduction in oxidative stress). This may, theoretically, also lower the risk of developing endometriosis 23 . Here, the two case-control studies from the previous section can once again be used for analysis. While Parazzini et al. 20 demonstrated a lower risk, Trabert et al. 21 described an increased risk with a diet including more fruit (≥ 2 portions fruit a day vs. ≤ 1 portion a day: OR 1.5, 95% CI 1.2 – 2.3, p _trend  = 0.04). In their prospective cohort study, however, Harris et al. 22 showed that citrus fruits in particular (≥ 1 portion per day compared to < 1 portion per week) were able to lower the risk of endometriosis by 22 per cent (95% CI 0.69 – 0.89; p _trend  = 0.004).

Vitamins

Antioxidants (such as vitamins A, C, E and B ₉ [folic acid]) reduce the amount of oxygen free radicals and may thus have an anti-inflammatory effect. Three case-control studies have dealt with this hypothesis with regard to the occurrence of endometriosis: Britton et al. 2000 24 , Trabert et al. 2011 21 and Savaris et al. 2011 25 . However, none of the three studies was able to significantly prove any link between a vitamin-rich diet (specifically vitamins A, C and E and folic acid) and developing endometriosis.

Fats

A diet that is high in fat is associated with various health effects, both positive and negative. The different types of fats are considered separately below and the correlation between the study data and occurrence of endometriosis analysed.

Saturated fats

Saturated fats, which primarily occur in animal-derived products (red meat, ham, butter), are generally associated with few health benefits 26 . Saturated fats may lead to higher plasma concentrations of oestradiol or steroid hormones and are therefore associated with the occurrence of oestrogen-dependent diseases 23 . So, does increased oral consumption of saturated fats correlate with the occurrence of endometriosis?

A total of three case-control studies have addressed the link between eating red meat and/or butter and the risk of developing endometriosis: Parazzini et al. 2004 20 , Heilier et al. 2007 27 and Trabert et al. 2011 21 ( Table 3 ). The studies revealed divergent results: While the group under Parazzini showed an increased risk associated with the consumption of red meat (OR 2.0, 95% CI 1.4 – 2.8, p _trend  = 0.0004), the consumption of butter was not associated with any significant increase in risk in this study 20 . By contrast, Heilier et al. found that the consumption of butter was associated with increased risk (OR 1.87, 95% CI 1.00 – 3.49) but not the consumption of red meat 27 . Trabert et al. did not find any significant correlation between the occurrence of endometriosis and the consumption of red meat 21 .

Table 3  Effect of the consumption of saturated fats and a range of foods containing high amounts of saturated fats on the occurrence of endometriosis (data from Parazzini et al. 23 ).

Literature	Saturated fats	Red meat	Ham	Butter
▴ = increased risk, ▾ = decreased risk
Britton et al., 2000	p = 0.05 ▴	Not significant	–	–
Parazzini et al., 2004	–	p = 0.0004 ▴	p = 0.001 ▴	Not significant
Heilier et al., 2007	–	Not significant	–	OR = 1.87 ▴
Trabert et al., 2011	Not significant	Not significant	–	–
Missmer et al., 2010	Not significant	Not significant	–	–
Savaris et al., 2011	Not significant	–	–	–
Yamamoto et al., 2018	–	p trend  < 0.001 ▴	–	–

Three additional studies compared the likelihood of developing endometriosis for women who consumed a diet high in saturated fats and women who ate very low amounts of saturated fats (Britton et al. 2000 24 , Missmer et al. 2010 7 , Savaris et al. 2011 25 ). None of the three studies showed any significant correlation ( Table 3 ).

In 2018, within the Nursesʼ Health Study II, Yamamoto et al. 28 were able to show that the consumption of red meat at > 2 portions/day was associated with a 56 per cent higher risk of developing endometriosis in comparison with women who only ate red meat once a week (95% CI 1.22 – 1.99; p _trend  < 0.001).

Trans fats

Trans fats, which rarely occur naturally but can be found in processed and deep-fried foods, are generally categorised as being harmful to health 26 . Trans fats are linked with higher levels of inflammation mediators such as TNF-alpha, interleukin 6 and C-reactive protein and, consequently, with increased inflammation 23 ,  29 .

Two studies have investigated the link between trans fats in the diet and the occurrence of endometriosis. Missmer et al. 7 were able to show that women in the highest quantile for the consumption of trans fats were 48 per cent more likely to develop endometriosis as compared with women whose trans fat consumption was in the lowest quantile (95% CI 1.17 – 1.88, p _trend  = 0.0001). By contrast, Trabert et al. 21 were not able to determine any significant effect of increased trans fat consumption on the risk of developing endometriosis. The consumption of trans fats via margarine also did not seem to have any effect on the occurrence of endometriosis as shown by the data from Parazzini et al. 20 and Heilier et al. 27 (see also Table 4 ).

Table 4  Effects of the oral consumption of trans fats or margarine on the occurrence of endometriosis (data from Parazzini et al. 23 ).

Literature	Trans fats	Margarine
▴ = increased risk, ▾ = decreased risk
Parazzini et al., 2004	–	Not significant
Heilier et al., 2007	–	Not significant
Missmer et al., 2010	p = 0.001 ▴	–
Trabert et al., 2011	Not significant	–

Monounsaturated fatty acids

Monounsaturated fatty acids, which occur in olive oil, nuts and milk, for example, have antioxidant properties and have an anti-inflammatory effect 30 ,  31 . Six studies considered the effect of the consumption of monounsaturated fatty acids on the risk of developing endometriosis (see Table 5 ). With regard to the potential effect on the risk of endometriosis, none of the cited studies were able to show any clear correlations.

Table 5  Effect of monounsaturated fatty acids on the risk of developing endometriosis (data from Parazzini et al. 23 ).

Literature	Monounsaturated fatty acids	Polyunsaturated fatty acids	Omega-3 fatty acids	Omega-6 fatty acids
▴ = increased risk, ▾ = decreased risk
Britton et al., 2000	p = 0.05 ▴	p = 0.001 ▴	–	–
Parazzini et al., 2004	–	–	–	–
Heilier et al., 2007	–	–	–	–
Trabert et al., 2011	Not significant	Not significant	Not significant	Not significant
Missmer et al., 2010	Not significant	Not significant	p = 0.03 ▾	Not significant
Savaris et al., 2011	Not significant	–	p = 0.045 ▾	p = 0.006 ▾

Polyunsaturated fatty acids

Polyunsaturated fatty acids (such as omega-3 fatty acids and omega-6 fatty acids) primarily come from fish, seaweed and nuts. They have been proven to play a role in the regulation and reduction of inflammatory prostaglandins and cytokines (interleukins 1, 2 and 6, TNF-alpha). They were proven to reduce the proliferation of endometriosis lesions both in vivo and in vitro 32 ,  33 .

The following clinical trials confirmed this ( Table 5 ). Savaris et al. 25 showed that the healthy women in the control group consumed more omega-3 fatty acids than the women with endometriosis (p = 0.045). Within the Nursesʼ Health Study II, Missmer et al. 7 also determined that developing endometriosis was less likely with a diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids. Women with the highest consumption of omega-3 fatty acids were 22 per cent less likely to develop endometriosis (95% CI 0.62 – 0.99, p _trend  = 0.03).

In their cross-sectional study from 2015, Hopeman et al. were also able to show that women with high eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) levels in their serum had an 82% lower risk of developing endometriosis than women with lower EPA levels (95% CI 0.04 – 0.78; OR 0.18) 34 .

By contrast, Khanaki et al. 35 were not able to show any correlation between phospholipid levels in the serum (omega-3, omega-6, monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids) and the occurrence of endometriosis. They concluded that it was not the serum level of phospholipids, but rather the proportion of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids that influenced the risk of endometriosis.

Dairy products, vitamin D and magnesium

Vitamin D has been proven to stimulate immunosuppressive regulatory T-cells as well as the secretion of interleukin-10 and inhibits pro-inflammatory interleukin-17 and T-helper cells 36 ,  37 ,  38 .

Kriegel et al. 39 were also able to show that vitamin D deficiency could lead to an increased risk of inflammatory diseases. This could also apply to the occurrence of endometriosis 23 .

Harris et al. 2013 40 were able to show that consumption of low-fat milk and other low-fat dairy products led to a lower risk of disease. Consuming more than three portions of dairy products per day led to an 18% lower risk as compared with the consumption of two portions (rate ratio = 0.82, 95% CI 0.71 – 0.95, p _trend  = 0.003). Furthermore, the study was also able to show an inverse correlation between vitamin D levels and the occurrence of endometriosis. Women with high vitamin D plasma levels had a 24% lower risk of endometriosis than women with low plasma levels (rate ratio = 0.76, 95% CI 0.60 – 0.97; p _trend  = 0.004).

However, here, too, there are findings that prove this hypothesis contentious: Parazzini et al. 20 and Heilier et al. 27 were not able to show that milk or cheese had any effect on the occurrence of endometriosis ( Table 6 ).

Table 6  Effects of vitamin D on the occurrence of endometriosis (data from Jurkiewicz-Przondziono et al. 9 ).

Literature	Vitamin D
▴ = increased risk, ▾ = decreased risk
Parazzini et al., 2004	Not significant
Heilier et al., 2007	Not significant
Trabert et al., 2011	Not significant (trend ▾)
Harris et al., 2013	▾ p trend  = 0.004

Several studies have shown that magnesium leads to the relaxation of smooth muscle cells and can thus have an antispasmodic effect 41 ,  42 . This suggests that magnesium could influence the pathogenesis of endometriosis (retrograde menstruation) as well as on pain symptoms. Harris et al. 40 were able to demonstrate that the consumption of magnesium was associated with a significantly lower risk of endometriosis (RR = 0.86, 95% CI 0.73 – 1.01; p _trend  = 0.007).

Fibre

A high-fibre diet is generally associated with health benefits. In this case, a high-fibre diet means one that is rich in complex carbohydrates with a low glycemic index.

With regard to endometriosis cells, the cell culture study by Nagamani et al. 43 showed that insulin stimulates the proliferation of the endometrium. In particular, refined (low-fibre) carbohydrates with a high glycemic index lead to a rapid spike in insulin levels and insulin-like growth factor 1. As a result, this hyperinsulinism may reduce levels of the sex hormone binding globulin, leading to hyperoestrogenism 44 . According to the study by Friberg et al., oestrogens and insulin-like growth factor 1 itself promote the proliferation of endometrial cells 45 . These findings therefore indicate increased endometrial proliferation and thus a potentially elevated risk of endometriosis as a result of simple carbohydrates (with a high glycemic index).

In terms of clinical findings, three studies dealt with the link between a high-fibre diet and the occurrence of endometriosis. Trabert et al. 21 and Britton et al. 24 were not able to determine that a high-fibre diet had any significant effect. By contrast, Savaris et al. 25 established that increased fibre intake is associated with an increased risk of developing endometriosis (endometriosis vs. controls, p = 0.023). However, the study population was small, which means that the findings cannot be generalised.

Soya and phytoestrogens (isoflavones)

As a result of their oestrogenic effects, phytoestrogens, which primarily occur in soya, may be linked with the occurrence of endometriosis and other oestrogen-dependent diseases 46 . One Japanese study 47 was able to determine a correlation between increased isoflavone concentrations in the urine (genistein [p _trend  = 0.01] and daidzein [p _trend  = 0.06]) and the occurrence of endometriosis in women with severe disease (grades III – IV). However, this correlation did not apply to patients with milder forms of endometriosis (grades I – II).

Animal models, however, were able to show that the isoflavones genistein and puerarin inhibited aromastase and reduced the expression of oestrogen receptor alpha, which could lead to a reduction in endometriosis lesions due to less oestrogen being available 48 ,  49 . Clinical studies have not yet proven this.

Coffee and caffeine

According to the literature, the consumption of caffeinated beverages increases the availability of oestrogen and oestrones in the follicular phase 23 ,  50 ,  51 . Homan et al. 52 were also able to show that caffeine consumption leads to increased concentrations of sex hormone-binding protein (SHBG) and to lower bioavailability of testosterone. This data supports the hypothesis that consumption of coffee and caffeinated beverages may be linked with the occurrence of oestrogen-dependent diseases.

An in-depth meta-analysis by Chiaffarino et al. 2014 53 was not able to show any evidence of a link between coffee/caffeine consumption and the risk of developing endometriosis (total RR: 1.26, 95% CI 0.95 – 1.66 for caffeine and 1.13 [95% CI 0.46 – 2.76] for coffee consumption).

Alcohol

Alcohol is considered a risk factor for developing oestrogen-dependent diseases 54 ,  55 ,  56 because it increases the activity of aromatase and thus the availability of oestrogen in the blood 57 . Furthermore, there is a significant correlation between alcohol consumption and the occurrence of some chronic inflammatory diseases 58 ,  59 .

According to a 2013 meta-analysis by Parazzini et al., there is a significant correlation between alcohol consumption and the occurrence of endometriosis 60 .

Cassano et al. also described the negative effect of alcohol on the immune system (using psoriasis as an example, also a chronic disease). Regular consumption over a long period in particular influences the immune system as a result of various mechanisms 59 . The authors reported alcohol-related susceptibility to infections as a result of neutropenia, for example, and lower humoral cell response 61 ,  62 . At the same time, it triggers pro-inflammatory processes 63 ,  64 ,  65 . The authors cited the combination of a weakened immune system with an environment facilitating inflammation as the reason for the chronicity of the psoriasis, which could, therefore also be a potential explanation for the probability of chronic endometriosis.

Another aspect worthy of mention here is the effect of alcohol on fertility: Regular consumption has been proven to reduce fertility 52 ,  54 . Patients who drink more alcohol as a result of having endometriosis and an unfulfilled wish to have a child thus decrease their fertility even further.

Furthermore, women with confirmed endometriosis have a higher risk of developing depression 66 and thus also a higher risk of alcohol consumption 67 .

What remains unclear, however, is whether alcohol consumption can worsen existing endometriosis or affect the severity of the disease 60 .

2. Does diet influence endometriosis symptoms or the postoperative condition (therapeutic approach)?

The following section deals with the potential effect of diet on existing endometriosis (therapeutic effect).

The comprehensive review by Hansen et al. 68 showed that increased consumption of omega-3 fatty acids led to lower pain intensity, lower pain duration and lower painkiller use. Deutch et al. 69 described the consumption of fish oil capsules and vitamin B ₁₂ as reducing (by 50 per cent) dysmenorrhoea symptoms. However, it must be borne in mind that the study is already 20 years old and only recorded data using surveys on eating habits.

Sesti et al. investigated the effects of hormone therapy vs. diet-related measures vs. placebo in a randomised study in women having undergone surgery with more severe endometriosis (rASRM grades III and IV) 70 . The study included 222 women with endometriosis rASRM stages III – IV observed for a total of 12 months post-surgery using a visual analogue scale to assess their pain levels and the SF-36 score to evaluate quality of life. Three post-operative intervention groups were formed: placebo (n = 110), hormone replacement (GnRH analogues or estroprogestins) (n = 77) and diet (vitamins A, C, E, B ₆ , minerals (calcium, magnesium, selenium, zinc, iron), milk starter cultures, fish oil) (n = 35). The following symptoms were analysed: dysmenorrhoea, dyspareunia and chronic abdominal pain regardless of menstruation. Women receiving hormone suppressants after surgery or receiving diet-related treatment showed significant pain reductions in all three categories (p < 0.001), as well as higher quality of life (p < 0.001) as compared with the placebo group.

Discussion and Conclusions

The question as to whether diet can influence disease is omnipresent. For some diseases, particularly those known as “lifestyle” diseases, there is scientific proof of this (type 2 diabetes, coronary heart disease, etc.). The potential correlation between diet and developing endometriosis is a frequently discussed topic. There are plenty of guides, Internet forums and blogs, radio and TV coverage dealing with the topic and issuing recommendations.

However, from a scientific standpoint, the data is still insufficient and contentious. There are only very few studies that have sufficiently investigated the link between diet and endometriosis. Unfortunately, the results of these few studies are often contradictory ( Tables 2 and 3 ).

The studies require a closer consideration of their methods and therefore cannot often be directly compared. The study design and number of subjects, for example, vary widely ( Table 1 ). The comparability of the foods under review requires critical evaluation. The foods compared are also too different and can vary widely in their composition and production methods. For example, milk is mentioned here, but its fat content, processing, origin (organic or conventional farming) has a significant impact on the end product and thus potentially on its dietetic effect. The studies also remain vague in terms of living conditions, other dietary habits, lifestyle and other environmental factors.

Endometriosis is a complex and multifactorial disease, whose pathogenesis is still not yet fully understood. This results in difficulties in qualifying or quantifying the effect of diet. There are theories that explain the biological mechanisms and the effect of individual foods, but these theories are often not borne out by epidemiological studies.

The above points indicate the difficulties facing a scientific evaluation of the current data. It was our aim to summarise the current studies investigating “endometriosis and diet” and to analyse them with regard to the effects that diet may have on the pathogenesis and manifestation of endometriosis. Some smaller studies are purposefully mentioned in this review in order to highlight potential minor effects of diet on the occurrence of endometriosis.

The study results currently available do not permit a clear, scientific recommendation or indicate a detailed diet.

With regard to individual foodstuffs, we can say in summary:

• Alcohol consumption 60 and a diet high in trans fats 7 have been shown to have a negative impact on the occurrence of endometriosis.

• The results of the studies listed with regard to fruit and vegetables, dairy products, unsaturated fats, red meat, fibre, soy products and coffee are not clear (see the relevant tables above).

Therefore, the general recommendations for a balanced and varied diet in line with the guidelines of the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Ernährung e. V. [German Nutrition Society] 26 apply, along with the recommendation to cut out alcohol.

In order to be able to derive more concrete recommendations, we require further studies to investigate the influence of nutrition on endometriosis. Attention should be paid to the comparability of the foodstuffs and living conditions.

In addition to epidemiological studies, the authors also recommend conducting experimental research. It would be of particular interest to establish whether and to what extent individual nutrients may affect the different stages of pathogenesis in endometriosis (proliferation, vascularisation, peritoneal invasion, inflammation).

The vague data available so far must be substantiated with studies offering high comparability, and the previous findings from experimental research must be expanded upon. In the best-case scenario, this may enable the creation of individual nutrition plans and recommendations, which could ease the progression of endometriosis.