Association between the food security status and dietary patterns with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in overweight and obese Iranian women: a case-control study

Abstract

Background Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), as one of the significant endocrine disorders, is common among women worldwide. Food insecurity (FI) and unhealthy dietary patterns can negatively affect reproductive health. The effects of the lifestyle modifications, especially dietary components, on PCOS are contradictory. The aim was the assessment of association between PCOS with food security status and dietary patterns among overweight or obese women. Methods This case-control study was performed on 240 overweight and obese women with and without PCOS (ratio 1:1) referred to the infertility clinic of Arash Hospital, Tehran, Iran. The general and socioeconomic characteristics, anthropometrics (weight, height, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, hip circumference), physical activity, food security status, and dietary intakes (or patterns) were assessed using valid questionnaires, scales, stadiometer, and tape meter. The significant p-value was < 0.05. Results The prevalence of FI was 60% in women with PCOS and 30% in healthy women. PCOS risk was positively related to FI, quasi-western dietary patterns, low economic levels, waist circumference, and menstrual age and negatively with physical activity and healthy dietary patterns, even after controlling the potential confounders (P < 0.05). PCOS women had a higher intake of saturated fats, monounsaturated fats, oleic acid, fluorine, sucrose, and caffeine and a lower intake of vitamins A, B5, B6, B12, C, and D, potassium, proteins, carbohydrates, cholesterols, docosahexaenoic acid, potassium, carotenes, lutein, beta-cryptoxanthin, lycopene, calcium, iron, thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, tetra- and dihydrofolate, biotin, phosphorus, magnesium, zinc, copper, fiber (total, insoluble, and crude), glucose, galactose, fructose, and lactose compared to the healthy women (P < 0.05). Conclusions FI, quasi-western dietary patterns, low economic levels, and waist circumference were significantly associated with the higher risk of PCOS. The lifestyle changes, especially dietary patterns, may be an essential strategy for reducing PCOS. Further studies are warranted to confirm these findings and to identify the underlying mechanisms.

Causal relationships between modifiable risk factors and polycystic ovary syndrome: a comprehensive Mendelian randomization study

“…A cross-sectional study ( 42 ) reveals that women with higher levels of education have a significantly better understanding of PCOS compared to those with lower levels of education. Additionally, a case-control study ( 8 ) (n=240) finds that low socioeconomic status is associated with an increased risk of PCOS. Our work indicated that longer duration of education, higher educational attainment, and higher family income reduced the risk of PCOS, consistent with existing research.…”

“…Similarly, there are observed connections between dietary imbalances and PCOS ( 7 ). In addition, socioeconomic factors, such as educational levels and family income, have been shown to impact PCOS awareness and may increase the risk of PCOS through pathways influencing lifestyle choices ( 8 ). Therefore, elaborating on the clear causal effects of lifestyle and social economy on PCOS is helpful for society to coordinate medical resources and macro-control the incidence of PCOS by analyzing the regional economy and lifestyle, ultimately alleviating the social burden.…”

Alkali and alkaline earth elements in follicular fluid and the likelihood of diminished ovarian reserve in reproductive-aged women: a case‒control study

“…The balance of AEs and AEEs plays important roles in physiological functions [ 16 ]. Previous studies have indicated that AEs and AEEs are associated with female reproductive health [ 19 , 23 , 20 – 22 ]. However, at present, no studies have reported on the effect of AEs and AEEs on the ovarian reserve.…”

“…The potassium (K + ) channel has important effects on reproductive health outcomes, and can be involved in outcomes such as malformation of the fallopian tube [ 36 ], and male infertility [ 37 ]. A population study reported that women with PCOS had a lower potassium intake than women in a control group [ 19 ]. Whether K plays a role in the ovarian reserve remains unclear.…”

“…Na/K channels play crucial roles in biological processes [ 16 ]. Notably, one study reported that increased sodium intake from food was associated with polycystic ovary syndrome [ 19 ]. Other AEs, such as Rb and Cs, may substitute for K in the body, but the biological functions of Rb and Cs remain unclear [ 16 ].…”