Dietary Supplements for PCOS

Overview
Dietary supplements are very popular among women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Some women with PCOS may benefit from supplements containing certain nutrients. A few supplements claim to be specially formulated to improve ovulation, hormonal balance, insulin sensitivity, or chances for pregnancy. However, there is no scientific evidence that most nutritional supplements can reduce the symptoms of PCOS or improve fertility.

What does it involve?
Always consult your doctor before taking any new supplement. Ask your doctor for the correct dosage of any new supplement. Be sure to provide your doctor with an up-to-date list of all medications to avoid drug interactions.

Inositol is a chemical compound originally considered a B vitamin. There is some evidence that supplementing with inositol may improve insulin resistance, metabolism, and ovarian function in women with PCOS. Inositol is found in brown rice, whole grain bread, leafy green vegetables, citrus fruits, nuts, and liver.

Folic acid (also known as folate) is a B vitamin. There is some evidence that folic acid may help decrease inflammation in women with PCOS. It is also vital to ensure sufficient levels of folic acid during pregnancy in order to protect against certain birth defects. Most prenatal vitamins contain the recommended allowance of folic acid for pregnant women. Folic acid is also present in leafy green vegetables, citrus fruits, beans, and grain products such as bread, rice, cereal, and pasta.

Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin. There is evidence that vitamin D deficiency may contribute to many symptoms of PCOS such as insulin resistance, inflammation, and infertility. In addition, healthy levels of vitamin D are required for ovulation and pregnancy. Multivitamins contain the recommended daily allowance of vitamin D. Vitamin D is also found in egg yolks, cheese, fortified dairy products, beef liver, mushrooms that have been exposed to sunlight, and many types of fish including salmon, mackerel, and some canned tuna and sardines. Furthermore, your skin makes vitamin D when it is exposed to sunlight.

Constraints
Some supplements may increase your levels of certain nutrients to toxic levels. It is possible to overdose on vitamins and minerals.

Nutritional supplements and probiotics are not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration. Their safety and effectiveness has not been evaluated. The strength and purity of the ingredients may vary from brand to brand or batch to batch.

Supplements cannot replace a nutritious diet.

No supplement is ever a good substitute for clinically proven drug therapies.

Some supplements and herbs may cause dangerous interactions with your medications.

Supplements can be expensive.

For more details about this treatment, visit:
Inositol and Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome – Natural Medicine Journal: http://www.naturalmedicinejournal.com/journal/2...

Natural Ways to Increase Inositol in Body – LiveStrong: http://www.livestrong.com/article/348579-natura...

The effects of folate supplementation on inflammatory factors and biomarkers of oxidative stress in overweight and obese women with polycystic ovary syndrome: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. – PubMed: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24628390

Folic Acid – American Pregnancy Association: http://americanpregnancy.org/pregnancy-health/f...

Vitamin D Status Relates to Reproductive Outcome in Women With Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: Secondary Analysis of a Multicenter Randomized Controlled Trial. – PubMed
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27186859

The role of vitamin D in polycystic ovary syndrome – Indian Journal of Medical Research
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC466...

The Truth About Vitamin D: Vitamin D Food Sources – WebMD
http://www.webmd.com/osteoporosis/features/the-...