Womb disease linked to fast food
Friday March 26th, 2010
Researchers have found a link between consuming fats found in fast food and developing the womb disease, endometriosis.
Omega-3 fatty acids, found in fish oil, may be protective - but trans fats, found in foods such as margerine, aggravate the problem, according to the study.
The
disease is caused when cells escape from inside the womb, causing painful
symptoms.
Dr Stacey Missmer and colleagues from Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, USA, say the modifiable risk factors for endometriosis are not well established. As fish oil has been linked to reduced period pain and a lower risk of endometriosis in animal studies, the team investigated the association further.
They followed 70,709 women for 12 years, recording their dietary fat intake regularly. Just under two per cent of the women were diagnosed with endometriosis.
Total fat consumption was not associated with endometriosis risk. But those in the top fifth for omega-3 fatty acid consumption were 22 per cent less likely to be diagnosed than those in the lowest fifth.
Those in the top fifth for trans fat intake were 48 per cent more likely to be diagnosed than those in the bottom fifth.
In the journal Human Reproduction, the researchers state: "This evidence provides another disease association that supports efforts to remove trans fat from hydrogenated oils from the food supply."
The study also provides evidence that a low fat diet is not necessarily the healthiest approach, the experts add.
Dr Missmer commented: "Millions of women worldwide suffer from endometriosis. The results need to be confirmed by further research, but this study gives us a strong indication that we're on the right track in identifying food rich in omega-3 oils as protective for endometriosis and trans fats as detrimental."
Omega-3 fats are found in oily fish. The major sources of trans fats in this study were fried restaurant foods, margarine and crackers.
Missmer, S. A. et al. A prospective study of dietary fat consumption and endometriosis risk. Human Reproduction, published online March 24, 2010.
Tags: Diet & Food | North America | Women’s Health & Gynaecology
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