Despite how many women it affects, endometriosis – and its treatment – has long been haunted by a lack of funding, understanding and awareness. The fact that it still takes an average of eight years and 10 months for women to receive a diagnosis (a figure that has significantly worsened over the last three years), is evidence enough that things urgently need to change.

However, one good piece of news is that research into endometriosis – including its causes and potential treatment options – is on the rise. And over the last year in particular, there’s been a surge in research looking into the role that the gut microbiome and diet could play in the disease.

One such study, published last week, pulled into question the commonly held belief that there’s a link between zinc deficiency and endometriosis. A trace mineral involved in bodily functions including hormone regulation and immune health, experts previously believed that women who had low levels of zinc – whether due to a nutrient-poor diet or medical issues that make it hard to absorb zinc from their food – were at a higher risk of developing endometriosis.

A new study links endometriosis to high zinc consumption – should we be worried?