Impact of supplementation on Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)

PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome) is a multifactorial endocrine syndrome affecting women of reproductive age, affecting 5% to 15% of the population or 1 in 5 women of reproductive age, and is characterized by menstrual irregularities, clinical or biochemical hyperandrogenism, and the presence of polycystic ovary morphology. Furthermore, it is important to emphasize that genetic and environmental factors are involved in the onset of PCOS. Its presence can cause complications such as infertility, metabolic syndrome, obesity, type II diabetes, cardiovascular risks, depression, endometrial cancer, impaired glucose tolerance, obstructive sleep apnea, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Conservative treatment of PCOS typically includes lifestyle change, diet (Alesi et al, 2022).

The literature shows an association between vitamin D levels and PCOS, as it is crucial for many human physiological functions, such as neutralizing inflammation and oxidative stress. Its deficiency is related to many of the signs and symptoms of PCOS, such as: ovulatory dysfunction, hyperandrogenism, insulin resistance, diabetes, dyslipidemia, and adiposity indices. Evidence shows daily doses of 1000 IU; corresponding to 25 mcg, over a period of three months, to raise serum levels of the deficient vitamin (Morgante, 2022). Individual evaluation is always necessary, as larger doses may be necessary.

Another evidenced active ingredient is coenzyme Q10, which is present in the mitochondria and participates in the electron transport chair, acting as a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory. Zhang et al, (2023), showed in their work 9 randomized clinical trials with 1,021 patients with PCOS and how Q10 supplementation was effective in improving insulin resistance, hyperandrogenism, and the lipid profile of these patients. Omega-3 is also a crucial aid in PCOS because it acts on insulin resistance, total cholesterol (TC), high triglycerides (TG), and adiponectin (Yang et al, 2018).

The study by Mei et al, (2022), evaluated the Mediterranean low carb diet (low carbohydrate) in overweight and PCOS patients for 12 weeks and observed a reduction in insulin resistance levels; in addition to an improvement in anthropometric patterns, lipid levels, the menstrual cycle, and endocrine levels in general.

Some uncertainties still need to be overcome by further work in the area, but we have evidence of improvements in the clinical condition in patients with PCOS through the supplementation of specific vitamins (B-12, inositols, folate, vitamins D, E and K), vitamin-like nutrients (bioflavonoids), minerals (calcium, zinc, selenium and chromium picolinate) and other formulations (melatonin, omega-3 fatty acids, probiotics and cinnamon), as well as some complementary approaches, such as acupuncture and yoga, may be beneficial in PCOS (Alpuncture) Essi et al, 2022).

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