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Role of Vitamins and Minerals in PCOS Health


PCOS, PCOD, Role of vitamins and minerals in PCOS health
Woman with PCOS Pain

One of the essential components of treating polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is controlling weight and maintaining a balanced diet. Numerous research have discovered connections between PCOS, insulin resistance, obesity, and hormonal abnormalities. PCOS is known to be a metabolic syndrome. Any healthy eating plan must include vitamins and minerals, yet they are frequently the ones that are overlooked.


The function of vitamins and minerals in the treatment of PCOS is discussed in this article.


Vitamin Deficiency and PCOS


In your body nutrients play crucial roles. For instance, insulin resistance, PCOS, and depression have all been associated with vitamin D insufficiency.


High insulin levels can stimulate the production of more androgens by the ovaries in PCOS patients. Androgens are a class of hormones that influence male characteristics and sexual function. Increased body hair, acne, and irregular or no periods can all result from this.

The hormone insulin is responsible for assisting the body's cells and tissues in utilising glucose, and having insulin resistance can raise your chance of developing both diabetes and PCOS.


Finally, therapies with folate and vitamin B12 have been proven to reduce insulin resistance in people with metabolic syndrome. Vitamin D deficiency may also be a possible risk factor for depressive symptoms in women dealing with PCOS.


What Are Important Vitamins for PCOS?


In their roles as co-enzymes, vitamins support enzyme activity. A unique protein known as an enzyme is responsible for a specific chemical reaction. A coenzyme is required by many enzymes and is an essential component of the enzyme. Without co-enzymes, many chemical reactions would be left incomplete.


Vitamins are of two kinds as per their absorption ability: fat soluble and water soluble.


Fat-Soluble Vitamins


Chylomicrons are specialised fat molecules that must be absorbed together with fat-soluble vitamins into the lymphatic system before they can enter the blood. Proteins are required to move them through the blood arteries once they do enter the bloodstream. A, D, E, and K are examples of fat-soluble vitamins.


Vitamin D, also known as the sunshine vitamin, is important for controlling blood sugar and improving insulin sensitivity. Deficiency of vitamin D are also associated with insulin resistance and obesity in women with PCOS.


Water-Soluble Vitamins


Water-soluble vitamins do not require special proteins to aid absorption into the bloodstream and are able to move freely throughout the blood and body cells. Excess amounts of vitamins are secreted in the urine, preventing a toxic build-up. Vitamins B and C are water-soluble vitamins.


Some of the important water-soluble vitamins are Vitamins B2, B3, B5, and B6 are also very useful for controlling weight in the following ways:


  • Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin): This vitamin helps in processing fat, sugar, and protein into energy.

  • Vitamin B3 (Niacin): A component of the glucose tolerance factor which is released every time blood sugar rises, to help keep levels in balance.

  • Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic acid): Is essential for fat metabolism. Vitamin B6: Keeps hormonal balance in the body.


The Effect Minerals Have on PCOS


Minerals are inorganic materials, meaning they are not originate from living things such as plants or animals.


Examples of minerals include:

  • Sodium

  • Potassium

  • Calcium

  • Magnesium

  • Iron

Minerals serve many important functions within the body. The main components of bones and teeth are calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus.The transfer of minerals like sodium, potassium, and chloride between the various body compartments plays a significant role in maintaining the equilibrium of bodily fluids.In the transmission of nerve signals and the contraction of muscles, calcium and potassium play important roles.


Depending on the mineral, the body maintains its mineral balance using a variety of techniques. The body and bones store calcium, which is then released when it is required elsewhere in the body. When your body is missing some minerals, like iron, the body will increase the amount that is absorbed during digestion. Minerals that are not deposited in bodily tissues often don't build up to toxic levels because any excess will be expelled in waste. While fruits, oils, and sweets are poor providers of dietary minerals, grains, vegetables, dairy products, and proteins are good sources.


As previously mentioned, vitamin D is necessary for calcium absorption, which emphasises the importance of a healthy vitamin and mineral intake for PCOS-affected women.




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