Nutrient intake in overweight patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS): a comparative study

Kamilia Ounaissa; Sana Khamassi; Taieb Ach; Ramla Mizouri; faten mahjoub; Emna Bornaz; Yosra Ben Hamida; Haifa Abdesselem; Brahim Asma Ben; Rym Yahyaoui; Jamoussi Henda; Chiraz Amrouche

doi:10.1530/endoabs.110.EP917

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Endocrine Abstracts (2025) 110 EP917 | DOI: 10.1530/endoabs.110.EP917

ECEESPE2025 ePoster Presentations Metabolism, Nutrition and Obesity (164 abstracts)

Nutrient intake in overweight patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS): a comparative study

Kamilia Ounaissa ¹ , Sana Khamassi ¹ , Taieb Ach ² , Ramla Mizouri ³ , faten mahjoub ³ , Emna Bornaz ¹ , Ben Hamida Yosra ¹ , Haifa Abdesselem ¹ , Asma Ben Brahim ¹ , Rym Yahyaoui ¹ , Jamoussi Henda ³ & Chiraz Amrouche ¹

Author affiliations

¹National Institute of Nutrition and Food Technology, Department of Nutritional Diseases D, Tunis, Tunisia; ²Farhat Hached Hospital, Department of Endocrinology and Diabetology, Sousse, Tunisia; ³National Institute of Nutrition and Food Technology, UR17SP01-Clinical Biology Laboratory, Tunis, Tunisia

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Background: Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disorder affecting women of reproductive age. The role of macronutrient and micronutrient intake, both in the development of PCOS and in managing its symptoms, is an area of increasing interest [1]. The aim of our study was to evaluate nutrient intake in overweight patients with PCOS.

Methods: This was a descriptive, cross-sectional and retrospective case-control study involving 61 overweight women, divided into two groups: 31 women with PCOS in the case group and 30 women without PCOS in the control group. The two groups were matched for age and body mass index. Data, including interview-based information and biological parameters were collected from the patients’ medical records. Body composition was assessed using TANITA bioimpedance analysis. Dietary intake data were analyzed using Nutrisoft software.

Results: The mean age of the patients with PCOS and without PCOS was 31±8.6 years and 34.23±10.6 years, respectively. The mean age at diagnosis of PCOS was 23.4±7.3 years, with extremes ranging from 14 to 39 years. The majority of patients with PCOS had phenotype A (81%), while 19% had phenotype C. The dietary survey revealed a significantly higher intake of saturated fatty acids in patients with PCOS (10.2±2.8% TEI vs 8.2±2.9% TEI; P = 0.01) and a significantly higher insufficiency in omega-6 fatty acid intake (58% vs 5%; P = 0.001) compared to the control group. The average energy intake, as well as protein, carbohydrate, and lipid intakes, were similar between the two groups. Regarding micronutrients, PCOS patients had significantly lower intakes of vitamin C (91±69 mg/d vs 142±85 mg/d; P = 0.01) and vitamin B1 (1,03±0,32 mg/d vs 1,24±0,42 mg/d; P = 0.04). Micronutrient intake deficiencies were also more frequent in PCOS patients compared to the control group, primarily affecting vitamin C (64% vs 23%; P = 0.002), vitamin B1 (29% vs 0%; P = 0.03), vitamin B3 (29% vs 0%; P = 0.003), vitamin B6 (35% vs 12%; P = 0.03), calcium (87% vs 65%; P = 0.05), and iron (48% vs 19%; P = 0.02).

Conclusion: This study underscores the prevalence of micronutrient Intake deficiencies in overweight women with PCOS. These findings suggest the need for targeted dietary interventions to address nutrient intake imbalances in this population, contributing to a better management of PCOS symptoms and long-term health outcomes.

References: 1. Saei Ghare Naz M, Jahanfar S, Ramezani Tehrani F. An overview on effects of micronutrients and macronutrients interventions in management of polycystic ovary syndrome. Clin Nutr ESPEN 2022;52:218-28.