The effect of low glycemic index diet on the reproductive and clinical profile in women with polycystic ovarian syndrome: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Background: Treatment for polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) usually initiates with a series of lifestyle modifications such as diet, weight loss, and exercise. Aims: We, therefore, conducted this meta-analysis to systematically review and evaluate the possible benefits of LGD on a range of anthropometric, clinical, and biochemical parameters in women with PCOS. Methods: We performed a systematic search through major indexing databases, including Scopus, Pubmed/ Medline, ISI web of science, Embase, Cochrane central, and CINAHL (1966-April 30, 2021) using key concepts of PCOS. Results: Of 935 initial publications, 542 remain after duplicates removal. Then, 141 records were removed at the title and abstract screening level. After excluding 392 literatures, we finally included 8 articles. The final selected studies included 412 overweight and obese individuals with PCOS (207 cases in LGID group and 205 patients in comparators) with a mean age of 21-32 years. Measured emotional health (3 studies, 132 participants, SMD: -1.97; 95%CI:-3.54, -0.40, P = 0.01, I2 = 89%) and body hair (3 studies, 132 participants, SMD: -0.40; 95%CI:0.46, -0.35, P < 0.0001, I2 = 0%), were found to be significantly lower in women in LGD vs control diet groups. Moreover, infertility (3 studies, 132 participants, SMD: 1.45; 95%CI: 0.30, 2.61, P = 0.01, I2 = 79%) was significantly higher in women in LGD vs control diet groups. Conclusion: The present meta-analysis has shown that LGD may play a significant role in reducing the risk and improving the clinical and biochemical features of PCOS. So far the evidences for choosing the best dietary modalities for PCOS are not strong to make a definite recommendation.