It is formed by the action of intestinal bacteria on plant lignan precursors present in the diet.

Many dietary plant lignan precursors, such as secoisolariciresinol, matairesinol, lariciresinol, pinoresinol, and sesamin, can be metabolized by gut microbes to enterolactone.

[1][2][3] In edible plants lignans are bound to the fiber fraction and therefore fiber-rich food products, such as cereals, vegetables, fruits and berries, are generally good sources of lignans and enterolactone.

The richest known dietary sources of enterolactone precursors are flaxseed and sesame seed.

[8][9] Enterolactone is suggested to possess beneficial health effects in humans.