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Comparison of the Mediterranean Diet with the Diet of Women with PCOS

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disorder affecting 6-10% of women of reproductive age, and correlates with obesity, hyperinsulinaemia and insulin resistance. A variety of measures that lead towards weight loss and improved insulin efficiency can be successful in regulating many PCOS symptoms. Thus, treatment is frequently aimed at weight reduction in obese women and lifestyle management in obese and non- obese women. These lifestyle changes incorporate everything from exercise to different diets. Some PCOS women respond better to a diet high in complex carbohydrates (about 60% of total calories), while others respond better to a diet low in carbohydrates (≤40% of total calories). The Mediterranean diet (MD) is one of those that show favorable effect on blood lipids, reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and keep insulin secretion under control. Also, one of the main characteristic of the MD is the high intake of fats (>40% of total energy intake) with a specific combination of foods considered to have numerous beneficial health effects. Taking into consideration the above mentioned, we have compared the dietary habits of PCOS women to the MD principle. Eleven women with PCOS were recruited by a gynecologist. Each woman completed the 24-hour recall and the Food Frequency Questionnaire for a month. Based on the analysis of these two questionnaires, dietary habits and nutritional intake of PCOS women were compared to the MD. Lifestyle habits were analyzed with a Physical Activity Questionnaire, and compared to the MD recommendations. Results showed discrepancies between macronutrient intake of PCOS patients and the MD of which the most obvious discrepancy was the intake of carbohydrates (56% vs 38% respectively) and fats (24% vs 46% respectively). Water intake of PCOS women was only 0.5 L/day, while the recommended MD intake is 1.5-2.0 L/day. Additionally, the MD recommends physical activity for at least 30 min throughout the day, while in the observed group of PCOS women, only 18% reported daily activity of 15 to 30 min per day.

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS); dietary interventions for PCOS; Mediterranean diet; Physical Activity Questionnaire; 24-hour recall; Food Frequency Questionnaire

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