Effect of Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) and Curcumin on Glycemic parameters in Polycystic ovary syndrome: Randomized controlled Clinical Trial

Abstract

Abstract Background Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is an endocrine disorder that can lead to major reproductive and metabolic complications, including infertility and insulin resistance. Management of glycemic parameters is an important step to improve the symptoms of PCOS. Lifestyle-based treatments, including interventions with healthy eating patterns and natural bioactive compounds, may be effective. This randomized controlled clinical trial was conducted to evaluate the effects of Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet and curcumin co-administration on glycemic parameters in normal weight and overweight/obese women with PCOS undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF). Methods In this double-blind randomized factorial study, 104 infertile women with PCOS were divided into four intervention groups considering treatment conditions and body mass index (BMI). For 12 weeks, they received 500 mg twice daily of curcumin or placebo along with a DASH or standard diet, based on macronutrient composition (52% carbohydrate, 18% protein, and 30% total fat). Results Participants adhered to the intervention protocol (> 80%). Insulin levels in the supplemented group decreased significantly and remained significant even after adjusting for confounding variables (BMI, Energy difference, age and physical activity levels at the baseline) group (ß =34.77, 95% CI (4.93, 64.62), P-Value= 0.023). HOMA-IR also decreased significantly in supplement group (ß =7.616, 95% CI (0.889, 14.34), P-Value= 0.027), after controlling for confounders in the first model and other adjusted models. Changes in fasting blood sugar and insulin sensitivity were not significant in the supplement and diet groups. Conclusion The results of the study show that adding curcumin to the DASH diet can have positive effects on reducing insulin levels and improving insulin resistance, and lead to faster recovery of hyperinsulinemia. Therefore, investigating the combined effect of other dietary patterns and bioactive compounds is recommended. Trial Registration Number (TRN): IRCT20200915048731N1, URL: https://www.irct.ir/trial/50970; Date of registration: September 29, 2020.