In April 2018 researchers from the USA published the results of their study to assess the effect of fruit and vegetable intake and risk of endometriosis in 70,835 pre-menopausal women. Information on average fruit and vegetable consumption was obtained via repeated food frequency questionnaires. During the study, which lasted approximately 22 years, a total of 2,609 cases of endometriosis were diagnosed. Results showed that a higher fruit consumption was associated with a reduced risk of endometriosis. This finding was particularly strong for citrus fruits with women consuming 1+ servings of citrus fruits per day having a 22% lower risk of endometriosis when compared to those consuming less than 1 serving per week. No association was observed between vegetable intake and risk of endometriosis although women consuming 1+ servings per day of cruciferous vegetables appeared to have a 13% higher risk of endometriosis when compared to those consuming less than 1 serving per week, which may indicate a role of gastrointestinal symptoms. Of the nutrients examined, only beta-cryptoxanthin intake was significantly associated with a reduced risk of endometriosis.
Harris HR et al. Fruit and vegetable consumption and risk of endometriosis. Hum Reprod. 2018 Apr 1;33(4):715-727