Comparison of diet in women of reproductive age with and without diagnosed PCOS: Pilot study

What is it about?

This study was aimed at comparing diets, dietary patterns and lifestyle habits of women with polycystic ovary syndrome and controls in Croatia. In this pilot, matched pair study, the participants were women of reproductive age: 12 with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and 16 healthy (between the ages of 18 and 41 years). The following data sets were collected and analysed: nutrient intake, dietary habits and physical activity, polycystic ovary syndrome symptoms, anthropometry and biochemical records. The analyses of dietary habits showed a significantly (p=0.030) higher score for the controls (92.4±8.7 points) compared to the women with polycystic ovary syndrome (83.3±12.2 points). There was a significant correlation between the age and intake of total carbohydrates, and intake of plant protein in the women with polycystic ovary syndrome. A significant correlation was found between the age and total fats intake, as well as intake of different types of fats, and energy intake in the controls. The free time activity index showed a significant difference (t-test: p=0.043, ANOVA: p=0.004) in favour of the control group of women who were more active. This study has shown that Croatian women with polycystic ovary syndrome compared to the controls have significantly poorer dietary habits characterised by high Glycaemic Index diets, they are less physically active during free time, and have positive significant correlation between the age and carbohydrate intake whereas the controls have positive significant correlation between the age and fat intake.

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