Abstract

Background: We are aware of no study evaluating the effects of zinc supplementation on metabolic profiles of patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of zinc supplementation on glucose homeostasis parameters in PCOS women.

Materials and Methods: This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was conducted among 52 women diagnosed with PCOS and aged 18-40 years old. Participants were randomly divided into two groups to receive 220 mg zinc sulfate (containing 50 mg zinc) supplements (n=26) or placebo (n=26) per day for 8 weeks. Fasting blood samples were taken at baseline and after 8 weeks of intervention to quantify glucose and insulin.

Results: After 8 weeks of intervention, zinc-supplemented patients had reduced fasting plasma glucose (FPG) (-4.3±9.6 vs. +0.5±6.0 mg/dL, p=0.03), serum insulin (-3.0 ± 2.9 vs. + 1.5 ± 8.4 µIU/ml, p=0.01), serum triglycerides levels (-15.6±40.3 vs. +14.5±25.3 mg/dL, p=0.002) and a significant increase in insulin sensitivity (+0.02±0.02 vs. -0.004±0.05, p=0.03) compared with the placebo.

Conclusion: Taken together, 220 mg zinc sulfate supplementation per day for 8 weeks among PCOS women had beneficial effects on metabolic profiles.