One of the most common endocrine disorders nowadays is PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome), which is the most common endocrine disease that affects 5 to 10% of women at their reproductive age.
Know the Symptoms of PCOS
Infertility, glucose intolerance, type 2 diabetes, obesity, acne, metabolic syndrome, anxiety, obstructive sleep apnea, and abnormalities of lipid profile.
Diagnosis:- Hyperandrogenism, chronic anovulation, and polycystic ovaries on ultrasound findings.
Diet plays a major role in the management of PCOD/PCOS as having medications can only help to a certain extent and can never be the cure. Managing your lifestyle well and including foods or supplements with the following vitamins may help deal with the condition better.
Important Nutrients for PCOS Condition:
Vitamin A
It is a fat-soluble vitamin and metabolites of vitamins such as retinoids & retinol that contribute to antioxidant activity, steroid metabolism and apoptosis. They are beneficial for PCOS condition and should be considered important.
B Vitamins
It is important to maintain adequate levels of B6, B12 and folic acid as these have a significant role in the regulation of Homocysteine (Hyc) levels. In the physiopathology, a positive correlation is found between Insulin Resistance and elevated Hyc levels. So, to reduce the Hcy levels, folic acid supplementation for three months is beneficial along with regular exercise.
Vitamin D
It is essential for skeletal growth, regulation of serotonin synthesis, bone mineral density, regulation of calcium and phosphorus metabolism. Recent studies have shown that vitamin D plays a role in metabolic disturbances, and lower vitamin D levels are linked to having increased risk of insulin resistance.
Vitamin E
It is a lipid-soluble vitamin and free radical scavenger, therefore advisable in conditions like PCOD. It is known that Vitamin E supplementation with coenzyme 10 for 8 weeks, and vitamin E with omega-3 fatty acid (1000 mg) co-supplementation for 12 weeks, helped provide improvement in IR (Insulin Resistance) and androgen levels.
To conclude, include coloured fruits and vegetables, as they will help provide you with vitamin A, B and vitamin E from food sources such as almonds, wheat germ, etc. Vitamin D supplementation is needed to maintain the levels, or sufficient exposure to the sunlight also helps improve serum levels.