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Review
. 2023 Mar;12(1):56-64.
doi: 10.1007/s13668-023-00456-1. Epub 2023 Jan 25.

Ketogenic Diet as Medical Prescription in Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

Luigi Barrea #  1   2 , Ludovica Verde #  2   3 , Elisabetta Camajani  4   5 , Simona Cernea  6   7 , Evelyn Frias-Toral  8 , Dilusha Lamabadusuriya  9 , Florencia Ceriani  10 , Silvia Savastano  2   11 , Annamaria Colao  2   11   12 , Giovanna Muscogiuri  13   14   15
Affiliations
Review

Ketogenic Diet as Medical Prescription in Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

Luigi Barrea et al. Curr Nutr Rep. 2023 Mar.

Erratum in

Abstract

Purpose of review: The polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is an endocrine dysfunction associated with a myriad of metabolic disorders and high rate of infertility. In order to aid its management, several lifestyle/dietary interventions have been evaluated. Very low-calorie ketogenic diet (VLCKD) is rapidly showing promising benefits not only in obesity but also in the treatment of other metabolic diseases. The main objective of this review is to assess the scientific evidence in support of this dietary pattern as an effective measure for treating PCOS and the metabolic disorders associated with it.

Recent findings: Preliminary data suggested significant improvements in body weight and composition, metabolic profile (glucose, serum insulin, triglycerides, total and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol), and insulin resistance following VLCKD. However, the evidence is still scarce and needs to be more substantiated. Weight reduction in women with PCOS has been shown to improve metabolic derangements and body composition, but there is no consensus on the ideal dietary pattern or macronutrient composition. There is some evidence supporting the possible role of the Mediterranean diet in improving infertility (along with other well-known metabolic benefits) in women with PCOS. Of note, VLCKD might be considered a potential intervention for the short-term treatment of PCOS, but it must be prescribed and carefully guided by professionals.

Keywords: Diet; Nutrition; Nutritionist; Polycystic ovary syndrome; Very low-calorie ketogenic diet.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Metabolic and reproductive effects of VLCKD on PCOS. VLCKD very low-calorie ketogenic diet, PCOS polycystic ovary syndrome. ⊥ indicates a decrease, while ↑ indicates an increase
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

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