6 Common Nutrient Deficiencies in PCOS
PCOS, or polycystic ovarian syndrome, is an endocrine disorder that affects about 7% of women in Western countries. The diagnosis is given by having two out of the following three symptoms: elevated androgens, ovarian cysts, and irregular periods. As a syndrome, there are a collection of symptoms that are patient-dependent. Due to this, PCOS can present very differently from person to person. It is essential to understand the root causes driving your condition and receive proper treatment for each cause. Many recent studies have postulated that nutrient deficiency could be a cause of PCOS. Here we will discuss those nutrients and how supplementing them can help with PCOS.
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Here are 6 common nutrient deficiencies in PCOS:
1. B Vitamins
Multiple B vitamins including B9, B6, and B12 are other common nutrient deficiencies in PCOS. Food sources include beans, chicken, beef, fish, eggs, leafy greens, and beans. Elevated levels of homocysteine, an inflammatory amino acid, can damage reproductive organs which is why it is an important factor in PCOS. Studies show correlations between insulin resistance, elevated homocysteine, and PCOS. Interestingly, these factors are also related to low serum B12 concentrations in women with PCOS. The three B vitamins previously mentioned all have actions to reduce homocysteine levels. In fact, after just a three month administration period of folic acid, lower homocysteine levels resulted in patients with PCOS.
2. Vitamin D
One of the next common nutrient deficiencies in PCOS is vitamin D. This is another fat soluble essential vitamin that we get most of our needs met from the sun, but food sources include fish, eggs, and milk products. There is a high prevalence of insulin resistance in many PCOS cases. Insulin is the body's carrier of glucose into cells, so we can turn glucose into energy. Our cells can’t take in glucose for energy when insulin resistance occurs because they ‘resist’ the insulin. Vitamin D status in the body has been studied to be an independent predictor of developing insulin resistance. This is because of the possible metabolic impacts of vitamin D deficiency. Women with obesity and PCOS were found to have significantly lower active vitamin D levels in the body. Additionally, lower vitamin levels were associated with insulin resistance as a cause of pathology in PCOS. Luckily, vitamin D supplementation for three weeks in subjects with PCOS resulted in better impacts on inulin resistance.
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3. Vitamin E
Another of the next common nutrient deficiencies in PCOS is another fat-soluble essential vitamin which is vitamin E. Found in many nuts and vegetable oils, vitamin E is a strong antioxidant. It can improve endometrial health in women with infertility. Combining vitamin E supplementation with other powerful nutrients has also shown beneficial impacts on androgen levels and insulin resistance in patients with PCOS. Coenzyme Q10 and Omega 3s are two of the powerful nutrients that amplify vitamin E’s benefits.
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4. Calcium
Calcium, while known for building strong bones, is also essential for reproductive health and mitigating some PCOS symptoms. Food sources include dairy, broccoli, and leafy greens. Egg activity and maturation, progression of follicular development, and regulation of cell division are all functions of calcium for the reproductive system. This is important because of how common infertility is with PCOS. Insulin resistance can be caused by calcium deficiency because the insulin signaling pathway is calcium-dependent. Calcium and vitamin D work together on a balancing system. Together they both impact PCOS, obesity, and insulin resistance. In this way, both are correlated with obesity when deficient in the body. Supplementing with vitamin D, calcium, and a drug, metformin, for six months resulted in better menstrual regularity, improved fertility, and follicular maturation. This is why calcium is one of the common nutrient deficiencies in PCOS.
5. Zinc
Another one of the common nutrient deficiencies in PCOS is zinc. This is a mineral whose function is mainly in metabolism and in enzymes. Food sources include mussels, oysters, beans, seeds, and nuts. Zinc also has a crucial role in the function and action of insulin, a recurring topic here. Insufficiency of zinc can increase the risk of diabetes, obesity, lipidemia, and hypertriglyceridemia. Overall, there is a correlation where women with PCOS have lower zinc levels. Zinc also significantly affects lipid levels in the body, which can be a conflict when someone also has glucose issues due to insulin. Poor lipid control and poor glucose control can be a bad recipe for cardiovascular disease.
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6. Selenium
Lastly, selenium is another one of the common nutrient deficiencies in PCOS. Food sources include brazil nuts, fish, seeds, and eggs. As another mineral, selenium is a powerful antioxidant while also working to promote reproductive tissue health. Antioxidants fight against free radicals, which are highly reactive oxygen molecules in the body that damage tissues and increase inflammation. Studies have found that women with PCOS have lower selenium levels than women without PCOS. This is because high free radicals in women lead to higher androgen hormone levels like testosterone. Selenium also impacts insulin just like many of the previous nutrients. After eight weeks of selenium supplementation in women with PCOS, the results showed there was a reduced insulin and a decreased in lipid profile.
