Dietary Risk Factors Associated with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome among Female Attending Fertility and Assisted Reproductive Hospital in Benghazi-Libya

Abstract

Background: Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a complex, enigmatic, and common disease with set of symptoms related to an imbalance of hormones. Diet has been found to be a contributing factor for PCOS. Although it has been suggested that there is a possible association between dietary pattern and risk of PCOS. Objective: This study was accomplished to determine the association between dietary risk factors and polycystic ovarian syndrome in reproductive medicine-laparoscopic surgery unit in AlHawary hospital and Benghazi Educational Center for Fertility and assistance in reproduction in Al-Gawarsha . Methods: This was analytical case control study with 182 participants , included women with and without PCOS (n=82,n=100) respectively ,we used a validated a questionnaires to assess sociodemographic data , anthropometrics (weight, height, body mass index (BMI), physical activity, food pattern, dietary intake assessment by (24hr food recall method, Food frequency questionnaire) and vitamin D level was assessed. The p value < 0.05 was considered for significance level. Results: The dietary intake of the high glycemic food such as( pizza, pastries, white rice, and soft drinks), high fat diet such as ( fast food ,fried food) and salty food are higher in the cases compared to the controls,whereas the dietary intake of diet high in fiber and antioxidant (vegetables ,green tea, nuts and fish ) was higher in controls compared to the cases. The cases is having higher body mass index compared to the controls. Conclusions: This study concluded that the dietary risk factors contributing to the prevalence of PCOS formation that the high intake of food high in saturated fat ,moderate and high glycemic index food ,and low intake of high fiber and antioxidant diet .Obesity and physical Inactivity are also risk factor for PCOS development. Improper dietary habits are noted among woman with PCOS.