Supplement strategies for infertility in overweight women: Evidence and legal insights.

BACKGROUND

Infertility is a multifactorial condition that affects both men and women and is influenced by various factors, including overweight and obesity. These conditions, especially in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), are strongly associated with hormonal and metabolic imbalances that can impair fertility. Targeted nutritional interventions, such as nutraceutical supplementation, may offer support in improving reproductive outcomes.

METHODS

A narrative review was conducted using PubMed, focusing on publications from the past 12 years with the keywords "nutraceutical," "overweight," and "infertility." The review aimed to identify the main nutraceuticals used in managing infertility and to highlight the importance of a personalized approach tailored to individual patient characteristics.

RESULTS

Nutraceuticals may represent a safe and cost-effective adjunctive strategy to support fertility in overweight patients, particularly in those with PCOS. Evidence suggests that their effectiveness increases when integrated into a personalized treatment plan based on individual needs and clinical profiles.

CONCLUSIONS

This review offers an updated overview of nutraceutical use in overweight individuals with infertility, outlining both benefits and limitations. It also addresses the often-overlooked medico-legal aspects of prescribing nutraceuticals, emphasizing the need for ethical and legal awareness when incorporating these interventions into clinical practice.