ABSTRACT It has been widely accepted that food customs are associated with quality of life in women of the reproductive age. Among young women, dietary limitation for cosmetic purpose, skipping food and intake of processed foods have been manifested. According to these changes in food customs, there has been increasing a risk for inadequate intake of calories, micronutrients, unsaturated fat, phytoestrogens, fiber and environmental toxins. In addition, these food habits may cause to an increase in intake of food additives, antioxidants, processing agents or sweeteners. These factors are considered to not only influence the present life style but also to induce gynecological disorders such as dysmenorrhea and irregular menstruation. The adverse effects of these dietary habits on pregnancy outcome and carcinogenesis of breast and ovarian cancers have also been demonstrated. Furthermore, latent development of organic diseases such as endometriosis, which are accompanied by dysmenorrhea, is a great concern under the current nutritional environment in young women. Thus, it is an urgent issue to evaluate the eating habits in young women and estimate the influence of these habits on the quality of life including reproductive functions.
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