It has been found that the intake of milk and dairy products in adults and adolescents is associated with a lower risk of endometriosis (the chocolate cyst).
The data of a survey carried out on the eating habits of participants aged 34-51 during their high school years, in which 581 cases of premenopausal endometriosis were confirmed, show that dairy products are directly related to the risk. It was observed that consuming 4 portions of dairy products a day during adolescence reduced endometriosis by 32% compared with consuming one portion or less a day, and that low-fat and high-fat products had a similar effect.
It was found that yoghurt and ice cream in particular are associated with a lower risk; accordingly, two or more portions of yoghurt a week during adolescence reduced endometriosis by 29% compared with consuming less than one portion of yoghurt a week. In the same way, it was found that the consumption of ice cream reduced the risk of endometriosis by 38%.
This relationship can be explained by a number of hypotheses. The study, in which it can be said that the vitamin D and calcium content of dairy products reduces the risk of endometriosis by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress, indicates that providing information about the use of dairy products during adolescence could be effective in reducing endometriosis.