Evidence for an Association Between Endometriosis and Allergic and Non-allergic Food Hypersensitivity Is Lacking

Jocelyn O'malley, Marina Iacovou, Sarah J. Holdsworth-Carson

Research output: Contribution to journalReview ArticleResearchpeer-review

2 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Endometriosis effects up to 1 in 9 women, and can be a severe and debilitating disease. It is suggested that there is a link between endometriosis and allergic hypersensitivities, including allergic and non-allergic food hypersensitivity. Best practice for managing endometriosis symptoms is holistic and includes broad multi-disciplinary care. Therefore, improving our understanding of common endometriosis comorbidities, including allergic and non-allergic food hypersensitivity, will assist in improving patient quality of life. This mini-review with systematic approach aims to explore the literature for evidence surrounding an association between endometriosis and allergic and/or non-allergic food hypersensitivity from the last 20 years. Of the 849 publications identified, five fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Only one publication reported a statistically significant increased risk for non-allergic food hypersensitivity in patients with endometriosis (P = 0.009), however, the endometriosis group was not uniform in diagnostic criteria and included individuals without laparoscopically visualized disease. No studies elucidated a statistically significant link between allergic food hypersensitivity alone and endometriosis. Therefore, based on a small number of studies with limited research quality, evidence does not support the existence of a link between endometriosis and allergic or non-allergic food hypersensitivity. Sufficiently powered evidence-based research is required, including information which better characterizes the patient's endometriosis symptoms, importantly the gastrointestinal sequalae, as well as specific allergic and non-allergic food hypersensitivities and method of diagnoses. Unequivocally confirming a link between endometriosis and food hypersensitivities is an essential step forward in dispelling the many myths surrounding endometriosis and improving management of disease.

Original languageEnglish
Article number726598
Number of pages7
JournalFrontiers in Reproductive Health
Volume3
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Nov 2021

Keywords

  • allergic food hypersensitivity
  • comorbidity
  • endometriosis
  • food allergy
  • food intolerance
  • non-allergic food hypersensitivity

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