The effect of nutraceutical interventions on reproductive health outcomes in women with polycystic ovary syndrome: A systematic review and meta-analysis

source extracted confidence: high 2026-04-09
#humans #polycystic-ovary-syndrome #female #dietary-supplements #reproductive-health

The effect of nutraceutical interventions on reproductive health outcomes in women with polycystic ovary syndrome: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Çelik et al., 2026 | Diabetes Obes Metab | Meta Analysis

Citation

Çelik Zehra Margot, Kurnaz Döndü, ... Aktaç Şule. The effect of nutraceutical interventions on reproductive health outcomes in women with polycystic ovary syndrome: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Diabetes Obes Metab. 2026-Feb;28(2):1213-1233. doi:10.1111/dom.70307

Abstract

AIMS: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disorder in reproductive-age women, associated with insulin resistance, hyperandrogenism, and menstrual irregularities. Nutraceutical interventions-bioactive compounds derived from foods or supplements that provide health benefits beyond basic nutrition-may support conventional therapy. This study aimed to systematically evaluate the effects of nutraceutical interventions on reproductive and metabolic outcomes in PCOS. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This systematic review and meta-analysis was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42024521879) and followed PRISMA 2020. Searches were performed in PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and regional databases (January 2013-December 2024) and included 78 eligible studies. Eligible randomized and quasi-experimental studies assessed nutraceuticals such as vitamin D, inositol, and quercetin. Risk of bias was evaluated with standardized tools; certainty of evidence was graded by GRADE. RESULTS: Seventy-eight studies met inclusion criteria. Nutraceutical interventions significantly reduced fasting insulin (MD = -2.14 μIU/mL; 95% CI -3.12 to -1.16) and luteinizing hormone (MD = -1.34 mIU/mL; 95% CI -2.10 to -0.58) and increased sex-hormone-binding globulin (MD = +3.72 nmol/L; 95% CI 1.35 to 6.09). Vitamin D supplementation showed the strongest metabolic and hormonal improvements. Results for ovarian follicle count and menstrual bleeding were inconsistent. CONCLUSIONS: Nutraceutical interventions targeting metabolic and hormonal regulation may complement lifestyle therapy in women with PCOS. Interpretation is limited by study heterogeneity and variable methodological quality. No external funding was received.

Key Findings

Seventy-eight studies met inclusion criteria. Nutraceutical interventions significantly reduced fasting insulin (MD = -2.14 μIU/mL; 95% CI -3.12 to -1.16) and luteinizing hormone (MD = -1.34 mIU/mL; 95% CI -2.10 to -0.58) and increased sex-hormone-binding globulin (MD = +3.72 nmol/L; 95% CI 1.35 to 6.09). Vitamin D supplementation showed the strongest metabolic and hormonal improvements. Results for ovarian follicle count and menstrual bleeding were inconsistent.

Outcomes Measured

  • Requires manual extraction

Population

Field Value
Population See abstract
Sample Size 78
Age Range See abstract
Condition See abstract

MeSH Terms

  • Humans
  • Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
  • Female
  • Dietary Supplements
  • Reproductive Health
  • Adult
  • Insulin Resistance

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Meta Analysis
  • Publication Types: Systematic Review, Journal Article, Meta-Analysis
  • Vertical: quercetin

Provenance

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