Title: Nutritional management in polycystic ovary syndrome: challenges and opportunities

Authors: Caroline Hmedeh; Ghina Ghazeeri; Ihab Tewfik

Addresses: Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Westminster, 115 New Cavendish Street, London W1W6UW, UK; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, American University of Beirut Medical Centre, Cairo Street, Beirut, Lebanon ' Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, American University of Beirut Medical Centre, Cairo Street, Beirut, Lebanon ' Division of Food, Nutrition and Public Health, Department of Life Sciences, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Westminster, 115 New Cavendish Street, London W1W6UW, UK

Abstract: PCOS is one of the most common endocrine diseases affecting women of reproductive age. There is a high prevalence among diseased females. The proper diet for PCOS thus targets these two characteristics of the disorder and through their management and the other symptoms of PCOS including hirsutism, acne and infertility are targeted. Saturated fats consumption should be reduced the unsaturated fat intake must be balanced with the carbohydrate and protein intake. Carbohydrate intake should not be abundant in the diet and the protein intake should not exceed 20% of the total macronutrient calorie intake. A healthy lifestyle must be followed which includes at least 30 minutes of exercise, five times a week. A properly managed diet combined with a balanced lifestyle addresses insulin resistance, cardiovascular health and metabolism, all of which target PCOS symptoms and alleviate them.

Keywords: polycystic ovary syndrome; PCOS; fats; carbohydrates; proteins; insulin resistance; diabetes; hirtsuism; infertility; glycaemia; glycemic index; physical activity; lifestyle; diet 3.

DOI: 10.1504/IJFSNPH.2021.113389

International Journal of Food Safety, Nutrition and Public Health, 2021 Vol.6 No.2, pp.120 - 130

Accepted: 22 May 2018
Published online: 03 Mar 2021 *

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