Recent research found that higher dietary zinc intake may be associated with a reduced risk of endometriosis among women. Researchers analyzed data from 4,315 women aged 20 to 54, utilizing information from the U.S. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) conducted from 1999 to 2006.
The study identified a significant correlation between increased zinc consumption and lower odds of endometriosis. Specifically, women consuming more than 14 mg of zinc per day demonstrated a notable reduction in risk (Odds Ratio: 1.60, p=0.009). However, those with an intake of 8–14 mg per day did not show a statistically significant association (Odds Ratio: 1.19, p=0.189). Researchers emphasize the importance of further investigations to clarify the optimal levels of zinc intake for endometriosis prevention. They noted that zinc plays a vital role in reproductive health, and deficiency may contribute to hormonal imbalances affecting ovarian function. This study sheds light on dietary factors that may influence endometriosis risk, underscoring the potential health benefits of adequate zinc consumption for women.
Source: https://bmcpublichealth.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12889-024-20433-9