Nutraceuticals and polycystic ovary syndrome: a systematic review of the literature

source extracted confidence: high 2026-04-09
#dietary-supplements #female #glucose #humans #hyperandrogenism

Nutraceuticals and polycystic ovary syndrome: a systematic review of the literature

Menichini et al., 2022 | Gynecol Endocrinol | Systematic Review

Citation

Menichini Daniela, Ughetti Claudia, ... Facchinetti Fabio. Nutraceuticals and polycystic ovary syndrome: a systematic review of the literature. Gynecol Endocrinol. 2022-Aug;38(8):623-631. doi:10.1080/09513590.2022.2089106

Abstract

BackgroundThis study proposes a review of nutraceuticals used in the treatment of typical symptoms of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS).The aim is to provide a classification of the most widely used nutraceutical supplements identifying the most effective nutraceuticals on glucose and insulin metabolism, the androgenic hormone profile, fertility, ovulatory capacity, inflammation, and oxidative stress.Material and MethodsWe included randomized controlled trials on PCOS patients undergoing administration of nutraceuticals, in particular vitamin D, vitamin E, probiotics, and inositols. These administrations are variable in terms of dosage, single supplementation, or combined with other compounds, dosage, and duration of the intervention.ResultsThe supplementation of inositols, at the physiologic ratio of 40: 1 of myo- and D-chiro-inositols, resulted to be the most effective in improving the glucose homeostasis and fertility, with a restoration of ovulatory capacity and menstrual regularity. Other nutraceuticals are particularly effective in reducing hyperandrogenism, with promising results demonstrated by the combinations of vitamin D and probiotics, vitamin E and coenzyme Q10, and the enrichment of inositol therapy with group B vitamins. An improvement in the inflammatory status and antioxidant capacity is obtained with the co-supplementation of probiotics and selenium or with vitamin E combined with omega 3.ConclusionsInositol supplementation is effective in the treatment of insulin resistance and fertility. Probiotics reduced hyperandrogenism, inflammatory and oxidative conditions, and resulted more effective when combined with selenium. Although these results proved to be satisfactory, further studies are needed with larger samples and a more homogeneous analysis of the outcomes.

Key Findings

Although these results proved to be satisfactory, further studies are needed with larger samples and a more homogeneous analysis of the outcomes.

Outcomes Measured

  • inflammatory markers

Population

Field Value
Population See abstract
Sample Size See abstract
Age Range See abstract
Condition stress

MeSH Terms

  • Dietary Supplements
  • Female
  • Glucose
  • Humans
  • Hyperandrogenism
  • Inositol
  • Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
  • Selenium
  • Vitamin D
  • Vitamin E
  • Vitamins

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Systematic Review
  • Publication Types: Journal Article, Systematic Review
  • Vertical: vitamin-e

Provenance

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09