Should you take a multivitamin if you have PCOS? This is one of the popular questions we hear from our patients at the PCOS Nutrition Center. Certainly many with PCOS may be taking other supplements to help manage their PCOS, do they really need a multivitamin on top of those pills? How much is too much? What should you look for in a multivitamin? Here’s what to know about taking a multivitamin if you have PCOS.
Magnesium is an important mineral that most people with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) are significantly lacking in. Women with PCOS are 19 times more likely to have a magnesium deficiency, according to a study in Gynecology Endocrinology. This is concerning as magnesium has been shown to play a role in glucose, insulin, and blood pressure regulation. Individuals with metabolic syndrome or type 2 diabetes have also shown to have low levels of magnesium. In fact, having low levels of magnesium increases your risk for having type 2 diabetes.
When you think of cinnamon, do foods like pumpkin bread, apple pie, spiced cider, oatmeal, and pumpkin spice lattes come to mind? Well, recent research provides some welcome news: Cinnamon may help you better regulate your menstrual cycle and even improve insulin and cholesterol levels. Here’s what to know about this popular spice.
Do you have a B12 deficiency? People with PCOS need to make sure they are getting enough vitamin B12. Why? Metformin, oral contraceptives, and common heartburn medications can deplete levels of vitamin B12. Conditions that interfere with nutrient absorption, such celiac or Crohn’s disease, can also affect levels of B12.Here are some common signs and symptoms of a vitamin B12 deficiency.
It doesn’t get much attention, but alpha lipoic acid is a powerful antioxidant that could offer numerous benefits to people with PCOS. Along with being an antioxidant, alpha lipoic acid is also an enzyme cofactor found to be capable of producing energy and improving glucose control in patients with type 2 diabetes. Alpha lipoic acid has been found to play a role in activating the insulin signaling cascade. Newer research over the past several years have shown benefits of alpha lipoic acid for people with PCOS both for improving fertility and metabolic health. Here’s what to know about this mighty supplement.
Emerging research shows a relationship between Vitamin D levels and COVID-19. The World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a global pandemic earlier this year and still little is known about the potential protective factors as the world waits for a cure, treatment, or vaccine. Past observational studies found independent associations between low serum levels of Vitamin D and susceptibility to acute respiratory tract infections and even Influenza. Newer research is now showing an association between low levels of Vitamin D and COVID-19. This is important for people with PCOS as vitamin D levels have been shown to be low.
