Micronutrient Supplementation for Women With PCO-syndrome - Influence of Nutrition and Physiology on the Development of PCOS-typical Parameters

Introduction and scientific background:

In the Western world, malnutrition and subfertility have become increasingly common problems affecting both men and women. A recent study showed that conforming to nutritional recommendations significantly increased the probability of a clinical pregnancy following vitro fertilisation (IVF)/ intracytoplasmatic sperm injection (ICSI). They included fruit, vegetables, certain types of meat, fish, whole-grain products and specific fats (according to the Netherlands Nutrition Centre Foundation). Another study specifically analysed preconceptional consumption of unsaturated fatty acids by women before IVF/ICSI. It discovered a positive effect on the embryo's morphology.

The effect of micronutrients on female fertility is currently under investigation. A 2012 review on the subject included 13 studies with more than 90,000 female participants and provided no generalised recommendations, but allowed the authors to deduce a certain positive effect of supplementation with certain micronutrients on female fertility.

This current study will test the effect of a currently available micronutrient supplementation in women suffering from polycystic ovary (PCO)-syndrome and sterility. The product (PROfertil ® female, Lenus Pharma, Seeböckgasse 59, 1160 Vienna, Austria) is based on several studies that showed (i) an increased need for these micronutrients of women with a desire to have a child or currently pregnant and/or (ii) a positive effect on female fertility. PROfertil ® female is a micronutrient supplement containing selenium, vitamin E, catechins, glycyrrhizin, co-enzyme Q10, folic acid and omega-3 fatty acids.

This study seems of impact from a scientific perspective. Clinical experience with PROfertil ® female suggests that patients suffering from PCO-syndrome experience an increase of anti-müllerian hormone and androgen levels. The reductive effect of PCO-typical serum parameters can be explained pathophysiologically: A chronic low-level pro-inflammatory state - both locally in the ovary and systemically - appears to be among the central pathophysiological correlates of PCO-syndrome. PROfertil ® female contains a mix of several antioxidative agents. A favourable effect on PCO-syndrome is expected. Metformin is an anti-inflammatory substance commonly used to treat PCO-syndrome. The anti-inflammatory effect is seen as positive. This explains why women suffering from PCO-syndrome without insulin-glucose balance problems react positively to treatment with metformin.