Journal of International Obstetrics and Gynecology ›› 2025, Vol. 52 ›› Issue (6): 606-611.doi: 10.12280/gjfckx.20250494

• Gynecological Disease & Related Research: Review • Previous Articles     Next Articles

The Role of Dietary Factors in the Occurrence and Development of Endometriosis

YUAN Qiong, HUANG Yu()   

  1. Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Pujiang County People′s Hospital, Chengdu 611630, China (YUAN Qiong); Department of Gynecology, Sichuan Provincial People′s Hospital, Chengdu 610072, China (HUANG Yu)
  • Received:2025-05-12 Published:2025-12-15 Online:2025-12-30
  • Contact: HUANG Yu E-mail:scsyfck@sina.com

Abstract:

Endometriosis (EMs) is a common chronic inflammatory gynecological disease. Existing surgical and drug treatments have limitations, and dietary intervention, as an auxiliary strategy, has attracted much attention. Among dietary components, polyphenolic compounds (such as quercetin, curcumin, resveratrol, etc.) can play a role in the prevention and treatment of EMs through their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties; vitamins C, E, D, and B complex can improve the condition by reducing oxidative stress and alleviating inflammation; minerals such as calcium and potassium are negatively correlated with the risk of EMs, and a low-nickel diet can relieve symptoms. In terms of dietary types, increased intake of dairy products, fruits and vegetables, ω-3 fatty acids may be associated with a reduced risk of EMs, while trans-unsaturated fatty acids and red meat may increase the risk of EMs. Among dietary patterns, the Mediterranean diet and anti-inflammatory diet can improve symptoms such as pain related to EMs. The low FODMAP diet helps relieve gastrointestinal symptoms in EMs patients with irritable bowel syndrome, while a gluten-free diet is not recommended for routine use due to insufficient evidence. Dietary intervention has good prospects in the management of EMs, but current studies have limitations such as small sample sizes and non-standardized interventions. More large-scale studies are needed for verification in the future.

Key words: Endometriosis, Dietary intervention, Dietary component, Dietary types, Dietary pattern