Mediterranean diet adherence and healthy diet indicator might decrease odds of endometriosis

Area of Science:

• Reproductive Health
• Nutritional Science
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Diet significantly impacts endometriosis management, potentially improving quality of life and reducing pain.
• Understanding dietary patterns' role is crucial for developing effective endometriosis interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between adherence to the Mediterranean diet and the Healthy Diet Indicator (HDI) and the likelihood of endometriosis among Iranian women.

Main Methods:

• A hospital-based case-control study was conducted in Tehran, Iran (February-September 2021).
• Dietary intake was assessed using a 168-item food frequency questionnaire.
• Logistic regression analysis evaluated the association of Mediterranean diet (MEDI-Lite score) and HDI with endometriosis odds.

Main Results:

• Greater adherence to the Mediterranean diet was linked to a 94% lower odds of endometriosis (OR=0.06; P<0.001).
• Higher HDI scores were associated with a 95% lower odds of endometriosis (aOR=0.05; P<0.001).
• A significant inverse association was observed between endometriosis and adherence to both dietary patterns.

Conclusions:

• Adherence to the Mediterranean diet and HDI shows a strong inverse association with endometriosis.
• These dietary patterns may be beneficial as preventive and therapeutic strategies for endometriosis management.