Dietary supplements and physical exercise in polycystic ovary syndrome

Authors

  • Stephanie Cruz Pierard Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador. Quito-Ecuador https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4100-5898
  • Samuel-Olegario Iñiguez-Jiménez Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador. Quito-Ecuador https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4722-7611
  • Jonathan-Luis Cruz-Pierard Universidad Tecnológica Equinoccial. Quito-Ecuador

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.56200/mried.v4i12.9284

Keywords:

Dietary supplements, Physical exercise, Polycystic ovary syndrome

Abstract

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a multifactorial endocrine-metabolic disorder that significantly affects the reproductive, metabolic, and psychological health of women in their reproductive stage. This narrative review studied the effects of the consumption of dietary supplements and the practice of physical exercise in the prevention and/or treatment of PCOS, emphasizing the management of its symptoms. The research encompassed studies from the electronic repositories MEDLINE (PubMed), the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and the Web of Science. 14 studies published from 2014 to 2024 were selected, including systematic reviews, meta-analyses, narrative reviews, clinical guidelines, and a clinical trial. The main findings indicate that regular exercise enhances insulin sensitivity and hormonal regulation. Supplements such as inositol, omega-3, vitamin D, and curcumin have shown potential efficacy in alleviating PCOS symptoms and improving the metabolism of these women. To conclude, the evidence suggests that lifestyle modifications including physical exercise and some nutritional supplements can reduce symptoms and improve metabolic and reproductive parameters, particularly in women with excess weight and insulin resistance. However, methodological diversity requires that the findings be interpreted with caution.

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Author Biographies

Stephanie Cruz Pierard, Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador. Quito-Ecuador

Professor at the Pontifical Catholic University of Ecuador. Professional studies at the Pontifical Catholic University of Ecuador, graduated in 2015 with a bachelor’s degree in human nutrition, third level degree. Fourth level degree at the University of Granada, year 2022 with the master’s degree in human nutrition. Work experience: teaching since 2016 in several institutions: ITSEI Institute, UTE and Indo-America Technological University, in total 8 years of teaching experience. Nutritionist 9 years of experience working mainly in private offices. Research interests: Nutrients important for growth and development, nutrigenomics, nutritional assessment and treatment, nutrition-related diseases, and epidemiology. It is part of the IES Research Network.

Samuel-Olegario Iñiguez-Jiménez, Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador. Quito-Ecuador

Graduate in Physiotherapy and Psychology, with Masters in Orthopedic Manual Therapy, Epidemiology and Collective Health. He currently works as a senior professor at the Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador. At the same time, he is an associate researcher at the Health Research Center in Latin America (CISeAL), participating in physical activity and health projects.

Jonathan-Luis Cruz-Pierard, Universidad Tecnológica Equinoccial. Quito-Ecuador

Professor at the Universidad UTE Ecuador Professional studies of a Bachelor's degree in Tourism Business Administration with a Master's degree in Tourism Management Work experience: teaching since 1997 in several institutions: Canadian Institute, UIDE University and UTE University in total 27 years of teaching experience . My research interests are on tourism and social issues. Trainer of innovative leaders capable of practicing a profession and linking themselves to the reality of the country to improve it. Former director of the Tourism degree, I am part of the team that Designs Professional Figures in Tourism with the Ministry of Education, Accessible tourism trainer with REDTAEC, FENEDIF. He collaborates with Lazos Inclusivos Magazine, Author of several scientific articles in indexed magazines. Presentations at conferences and academic events inside and outside of Ecuador.

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Published

2025-09-15

How to Cite

Cruz Pierard, S., Iñiguez-Jiménez, S.-O., & Cruz-Pierard, J.-L. (2025). Dietary supplements and physical exercise in polycystic ovary syndrome. MENTOR Revista De investigación Educativa Y Deportiva , 4(12), 1014–1045. https://doi.org/10.56200/mried.v4i12.9284

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Section

Review Articles