Polycystic Ovary Disorder/ Syndrome is commonly observed among women. It is a type of endocrine disorder, and the treatment involves managing diet well, having a wholesome and calorie balanced nutrient-dense diet. Also, an active lifestyle and physical activity are advised to maintain a healthy weight as most females tend to become overweight due to this condition.
Alpha-Lipoic Acid (a-LA)
It is an antioxidant which is both fat and water-soluble in nature, therefore, an essential cofactor in the citric acid cycle. The supplementation in women showed that some improvement in the reproductive characteristics including menstrual cycles, decreased number of ovarian cysts, and increased progesterone levels. At the metabolic perspective, IR (Insulin Resistance) significantly improved in the females with PCOS, and impaired lipid metabolism significantly changed.
Bioflavonoids
These consist of phenolic compounds, which act as antioxidant, anti-diabetic, anti-estrogenic, anti-inflammatory and anti-proliferative properties. These compounds provide improvement in the pathogens at a different level. Romualdi et al. showed that 36 mg/d of isoflavone if given for three months, may help provide with significant improvement in lipid profile. Similarly, many other types of flavonoids are found to be beneficial for PCOS condition.
Carnitine
It is an ammonium compound in fatty acid metabolism, oxidative stress mechanism and glucose metabolism. As per a clinical study, non-obese women with PCOS have decreased serum total L carnitine levels, when compared with healthy women. It is also involved in the regulation of energy metabolism, hence plays a role in oocyte maturation. There have been many studies carried out which prove that L-carnitine supplementation is beneficial like the study by Jamilian et al. 2017, supplementation of 150 mg per day for 12 weeks had beneficial effects for mental health and less oxidative stress parameters.
Inositol
The metabolites are sugar alcohols and belong to B complex vitamins, the inositol derived metabolites play an essential role in improving insulin sensitivity. Inositol supplementation helps provide improvement in pathologic conditions in PCOS such as the recovery of reproductive abnormalities, improved insulin levels. As per studies, Myo-inositol plays a role in follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) signalling mechanism and homeostasis of glucose intake.
The above nutrients are special ingredients present along with protein supplements or found to be in multivitamins. Although, individual supplements are also available and it is advisable to include it in supplementation form under a health professional’s guidance.