The impact of a standardized micronutrient supplementation on PCOS-typical parameters: a randomized controlled trial

Arch Gynecol Obstet. 2019 Aug;300(2):455-460. doi: 10.1007/s00404-019-05194-w. Epub 2019 May 17.

Abstract

Purpose: To evaluate whether a micronutrient supplementation preparation that includes a high amount of omega-3 unsaturated acids, other anti-oxidants and co-enzyme Q10 would have an impact on specific serum parameters in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

Methods: The study was designed as a monocentral, randomized, controlled, double-blinded trial, from June 2017 to March 2018 (Clinical Trials ID: NCT03306745). Sixty women with PCOS were assigned to either the "multinutrient supplementation group" (one unlabeled soft capsule containing omega-3 fatty acids and one unlabeled tablet containing folic acid, selenium, vitamin E, catechin, glycyrrhizin, and co-enzyme Q10, for 3 months) or the "control group" (two unlabeled soft capsules containing 200 μg folic acid each, for 3 months). The main outcome parameters were anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH), total testosterone, and androstenedione. In addition, the focus was on luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), the LH:FSH ratio, sexual hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), and estradiol.

Results: In the multinutrient supplementation group, the LH:FSH ratio (2.5 ± 1.1 versus 1.9 ± 0.5, p = 0.001), testosterone (0.50 ± 0.19 versus 0.43 ± 0.15, p = 0.001), and AMH (8.2 ± 4.2 versus 7.3 ± 3.6, p < 0.001) declined significantly, whereas the other parameters, namely estradiol, LH, FSH, androstenedione, and SHBG remained stable.

Conclusion: A micronutrient supplementation that includes omega-3 fatty acids, folic acid, selenium, vitamin E, catechin, glycyrrhizin, and co-enzyme Q10, given for a minimum of 3 months, is beneficial for women with PCOS in terms of PCOS-specific parameters (LH:FSH ratio, serum testosterone and serum AMH).

Keywords: Anti-Mullerian hormone; Micronutrients; Polycystic ovary syndrome; Testosterone.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Dietary Supplements / analysis*
  • Double-Blind Method
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Micronutrients / pharmacology
  • Micronutrients / therapeutic use*
  • Polycystic Ovary Syndrome / therapy*
  • Prospective Studies
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Micronutrients

Associated data

  • ClinicalTrials.gov/NCT03306745