Comparative efficacy of nutritional supplements in PCOS

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Created On: 04/12/2025

Nutritional supplements play a crucial role in alleviating polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) by influencing endocrine balance, metabolic function, oxidative stress, and inflammatory pathways.

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Key take away

Chromium, inositol, and omega-3 markedly boost lipid and metabolic profiles, while carnitine, chromium, and soy isoflavones effectively improve obesity, hormonal balance, and oxidative stress—supporting their role as valuable adjuncts in PCOS management.

Background

Nutritional supplements play a crucial role in alleviating polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) by influencing endocrine balance, metabolic function, oxidative stress, and inflammatory pathways. Although numerous supplements are employed clinically, a comprehensive ranking of their comparative potency in PCOS care has not been clearly established. This study was carried out to explore the usefulness of different nutritional supplements in enhancing clinical and biochemical outcomes in PCOS.

Method

A systematic review and network meta-analysis was executed utilizing data from the Cochrane Library, PubMed, Web of Science, and EMBASE. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) meeting inclusion criteria were analyzed to integrate both direct and indirect evidence on the impact of nutritional supplements on PCOS-related indicators.

Result

Overall, 79 RCTs including 5,501 women with PCOS were analyzed. The findings revealed that:

Chromium successfully improved the levels of very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL), follicle-stimulating hormone, and total antioxidant capacity.
Soy isoflavones boosted glutathione levels and decreased malondialdehyde, indicating antioxidant benefits.
Inositol markedly lowered the levels of total cholesterol and triglyceride.
Curcumin exhibited strong potency in improving low-density lipoprotein cholesterol
(LDL-C) and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels.
Omega-3 fatty acids were superior in minimizing HOMA-IR, highlighting improved insulin sensitivity.

When compared to placebo, no prominent changes were noted in high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, total testosterone, sex hormone-binding globulin, dehydroepiandrosterone, and plasma nitric oxide levels.

Conclusion

Among all interventions, chromium, inositol, and omega-3 supplements showed substantial benefits in improving lipid metabolism in PCOS. Carnitine, chromium, and soy isoflavones were particularly beneficial for managing obesity, hormonal imbalance, and oxidative stress, respectively. These results underscore the potential of nutritional supplementation as a valuable adjunct therapy for PCOS, offering evidence-based guidance for personalized clinical nutrition strategies.