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.
If you’ve been following the PCOS Nutrition Center blog, you know what a fan we are of a combination of myo and d-chiro inositol (DCI) for pretty much any person with PCOS, regardless of age or fertility. New research is starting to compare the benefits of inositol to metformin in women with PCOS. The results may surprise you!
Are you finding your acne, body hair growth and thinning or shedding of hair happening more right now? And it doesn’t help that hair salons and wax centers are closed! These symptoms are common in PCOS people and is mostly due to high testosterone levels. Did you know that stress can worsen testosterone levels? Yup. Cortisol, the good old stress hormone, affects the HPA (hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal) pathway, the exact same system that manages most of the hormones associated with PCOS. Here are some effective ways to lower testosterone.
Inositols have been suggested as a first-line treatment for PCOS. Have you heard about the numerous benefits of inositols for PCOS but not sure what kind to take? This article summarizes the differences between the two main types of inositols, MYO and d-chiro inositol (DCI) including what they are and what they do, their benefits, and any potential side effects to look for. Here’s what you need to know.
