ANTI-INFLAMMATORY DIETARY PATTERNS IN ENDOMETRIOSIS: MECHANISMS, CLINICAL EVIDENCE, AND PERSPECTIVES FOR FUTURE RESEARCH

Kamila Zioło, Weronika Zarzycka, Jakub Skrzypek, Natalia Fidut, Karol Szyprowski, Maciej Kisielewski, Julia Wawerska, Weronika Wrzosek, Mateusz Zugaj, Bartosz Okliński
In: International Journal of Innovative Technologies in Social Science · 2026 · vol. 5(2(50)) · doi:10.31435/ijitss.2(50).2026.5695 · W7206164599
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This review examines how anti-inflammatory diets may alleviate endometriosis symptoms by modulating inflammation, estrogen metabolism, and the gut microbiome, though high-quality clinical trials are needed to establish evidence-based guidelines.

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This review examines the mechanisms and clinical evidence linking anti-inflammatory dietary patterns to endometriosis management, focusing on how specific nutrients influence inflammation, estrogen metabolism, and the gut microbiome. The authors analyze existing literature, including observational studies and small trials, which suggest that diets rich in whole foods and omega-3 fatty acids may reduce symptoms like dysmenorrhea by modulating these biological pathways. However, the paper explicitly notes a significant limitation: current clinical evidence is sparse, varied in quality, and lacks long-term randomized controlled trials with standardized protocols, preventing definitive causal conclusions or formal guideline creation. This paper is centrally about endometriosis — specifically evaluating the potential therapeutic role of anti-inflammatory nutrition in managing disease symptoms and progression.

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Abstract

Purpose: The aim of this article was to provide an in-depth review of the current literature and research on the role of anti-inflammatory dietary patterns in the treatment of endometriosis. Methodology: A thorough and extensive review of the literature was conducted using various scientific databases, such as PubMed, Google Scholar and Scopus. During the selection process, particular attention was paid to clinical trials, systematic reviews and meta-analyses concerning dietary patterns, specific nutrients and bioactive anti-inflammatory compounds in relation to the risk, severity of symptoms and progression of endometriosis. Findings: Evidence indicates that anti-inflammatory diets may help manage endometriosis symptoms. However, the few available clinical studies are varied and often low in quality. There is also a lack of long-term randomized controlled trials with standardized protocols and biomarker endpoints, making it difficult to confirm causality or create clinical guidelines. Conclusion: Anti-inflammatory diets may help reduce endometriosis symptoms by lowering inflammation, affecting oestrogen metabolism, and regulating the gut microbiome—factors central to disease progression. While observational studies and small trials suggest benefits from diets rich in whole foods and low in red meat and trans fats, more advanced clinical trials are needed. The authors highlight the importance of further research using biomarkers and personalized nutrition to create evidence-based dietary guidelines. Future studies should assess diet alongside inflammation, hormone, and microbiome profiles to support tailored nutritional strategies for endometriosis treatment.
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Conclusion

Anti-inflammatory diets may help reduce endometriosis symptoms by lowering inflammation, affecting oestrogen metabolism, and regulating the gut microbiome—factors central to disease progression. While observational studies and small trials suggest benefits from diets rich in whole foods and low in red meat and trans fats, more advanced clinical trials are needed. The authors highlight the importance of further research using biomarkers and personalized nutrition to create evidence-based dietary guidelines. Future studies should assess diet alongside inflammation, hormone, and microbiome profiles to support tailored nutritional strategies for endometriosis treatment.

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