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The potential role of the Mediterranean diet for the treatment and management of polycystic ovary syndrome: a review of the pathophysiological mechanisms and clinical evidence.

The Proceedings of the Nutrition Society
November 19, 2024
Nicole Scannell et al. (4 authors)
Journal ArticleReviewHuman Study
Study Details

Study Goal

The researchers aimed to evaluate the potential therapeutic benefits of a Mediterranean diet for managing cardiometabolic, reproductive, and psychological symptoms in women with PCOS.

Results Summary

Observational evidence suggests an inverse relationship between Mediterranean diet adherence and PCOS features, particularly insulin resistance and hyperandrogenemia, likely due to its anti-inflammatory properties. However, current evidence remains insufficient to inform clinical practice, and more well-designed trials are needed.

Population

Reproductive-aged women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

Effective Dosage

Not specified

Duration

Not specified

Interactions

None mentioned

Extracted Claims (9)
InterventionDirectionEndpointPopulationDosageImpactClaim #
Adherence to a Mediterranean diet (MedDiet)
decrease
cardiometabolic disease risk
patients with metabolic perturbations
-
has been shown to decrease
#1
Adherence to a Mediterranean diet (MedDiet)
decrease
depressive symptoms
patients with metabolic perturbations
-
has been shown to attenuate
#2
MedDiet adherence
decrease
PCOS features
-
-
suggests an inverse relationship
#3
MedDiet adherence
decrease
insulin resistance
-
-
suggests an inverse relationship
#4
MedDiet adherence
decrease
hyperandrogenemia
-
-
suggests an inverse relationship
#5
MedDiet
decrease
short and long-term symptoms associated with PCOS
-
-
could be a promising therapeutic dietary intervention to attenuate
#6
MedDiet
decrease
the longer-term risks associated with cardiometabolic diseases
-
-
may aid in reducing
#7
MedDiet
decrease
the longer-term risks associated with reproductive dysfunction
-
-
may aid in reducing
#8
MedDiet
decrease
the longer-term risks associated with psychological dysfunction
-
-
may aid in reducing
#9
Abstract

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disorder amongst reproductive-aged women associated with cardiometabolic, reproductive and psychological abnormalities. Lifestyle modification, including a healthy diet, is considered first-line treatment for management of clinical symptoms. However, there is limited high-quality evidence to support one superior therapeutic dietary intervention for PCOS management that is beyond general population-based dietary guidelines. Adherence to a Mediterranean diet (MedDiet) has been shown to decrease cardiometabolic disease risk and attenuate depressive symptoms, particularly in patients with metabolic perturbations. This narrative review summarises the proposed biological mechanisms underpinning the potential therapeutic benefits of a MedDiet for the management of cardiometabolic, reproductive and psychological features related to PCOS. Observational evidence suggests an inverse relationship between MedDiet adherence and PCOS features, particularly insulin resistance and hyperandrogenemia. Although the exact mechanisms are complex and multifaceted, they are likely related to the anti-inflammatory potential of the dietary pattern. These mechanisms are underpinned by anti-inflammatory bioactive constituents present in the MedDiet, including carotenoids, polyphenols and n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs). Synthesis of the available literature suggests the MedDiet could be a promising therapeutic dietary intervention to attenuate short and long-term symptoms associated with PCOS and may aid in reducing the longer-term risks associated with cardiometabolic diseases and reproductive and psychological dysfunction. Nevertheless, current evidence remains insufficient to inform clinical practice and well-designed clinical trials are needed. As such, we provide recommendations for the design and delivery of future MedDiet interventions in women with PCOS, including exploring the acceptability, and feasibility to enhance adherence.

Study Links
Quality Scores
SafetyNot Assessed
Efficacy70/10
Quality65/10
Citation Metrics
Total Citations1
Citations/Year1.0
Research Impact Scores
APT Score0.50
Weight Score2.30
Normalized Score0.61
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