Assessment of nutrients intake in polycystic ovary syndrome women compared to healthy subjects

Nutritional deficiencies and nutrient intake are determinants of the onset of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). In spite of this, nutrients intake has not been much studied in these patients. Therefore, this study was carried out to assess nutrient intake and food consumption in PCOS subjects and compare it to healthy women. This case-control study was carried out on 60 women (30 PCOS patients and 30 healthy women) who were selected by simple randomized sampling method, after BMI unification in Tabriz Al-Zahra Hospital in 2009. Individuals’ intake was assessed by using three 24 recall questionnaires and food frequency questionnaire. Data were analyzed by Nutrition III and SPSS 13 software using descriptive analysis and independent t test. Mean of energy, carbohydrate, fat, protein, magnesium, calcium and vitamin D intake were higher in healthy subjects than patients (p<0.05). Intake of sodium, zinc, chrome, folate, B12, simple sugars and dietary fiber were not different among two groups. Frequency of milk and dairy products, fruits and nuts consumption in patients were less than the control group (p<0.05). Low intake of Calcium, Magnesium, vitamin D, dairy products, fruits and nuts is noticeable in PCOS women. Considering the effects of mentioned nutrients in metabolic disorders, it is necessary to give nutritional counseling for more intake of these nutrients in PCOS patients.