Magnesium for PCOS and Metabolic Health.
Aim of the Study
The goal of this study was to assess the potential effects of magnesium supplements on anthropometric, clinical, and metabolic parameters in women suffering from PCOS. This interest arose due to magnesium's definitive influence on insulin resistance, a major factor in PCOS etiology.
Study Design and Methodology
The study was designed as a triple-blind randomized clinical trial involving women aged between 15 to 35 years, diagnosed with PCOS. Participants were randomly allocated to receive a daily magnesium oxide supplement (250 mg/day for two months) or a placebo. The evaluation of study parameters occurred at the study's outset and after two and five months.
Participant Selection and Sample Size
The study involved 40 subjects, with an even distribution of 20 in each group – the magnesium supplement recipients and the placebo group.
Observations and Findings
Post two months of intervention, a significant reduction in the serum insulin level and insulin resistance was observed in the group administered magnesium supplements. Notably, the magnesium supplements also resulted in a decrease in total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein, and fasting blood sugar, while increasing the high-density lipoprotein levels.
Comparison of Parameters and Response
There was no significant variation observed in anthropometric parameters or the mean systolic and diastolic blood pressures pre and post-intervention in both groups. Furthermore, although the frequency of oligomenorrhea (infrequent or very light menstruation) decreased in both groups, the rate was similar across the two groups before and after the intervention.
Conclusion and Implications
The findings from the study indicate that the use of magnesium supplements in patients with PCOS, regardless of disease etiology or progression, can significantly improve their metabolic status. This improvement is mainly due to the alleviation of insulin resistance and modulation of the lipid profile. Further studies are needed to consolidate these findings and explore potential long-term benefits and safety of magnesium supplementation in PCOS patients.
Shahmoradi, S., Chiti, H., Tavakolizadeh, M. et al. The Effect of Magnesium Supplementation on Insulin Resistance and Metabolic Profiles in Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: a Randomized Clinical Trial. Biol Trace Elem Res (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12011-023-03744-7
Reviewing the literature, and finding snippets of data for our D&G family. . . always ask, what does the data show?!. Jason & Rita.
