Effectiveness of mineral supplements (magnesium, chromium, zinc, selenium, chromium picolinate) in reducing insulin resistance in polycystic ovary syndrome: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

BACKGROUND

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) often leads to insulin resistance, affecting glucose and fat metabolism. This study aimed to explore the impact of mineral supplements on insulin resistance, blood sugar, and lipid profiles in women with PCOS.

METHODS

A systematic review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) was conducted across four databases. The risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias 2 tool. Mineral supplements were compared with a placebo in all studies, and data were analyzed using fixed-effect and random-effects models to assess the impact on metabolic parameters.

RESULTS

This meta-analysis included 11 RCTs involving 618 women with PCOS. Mineral supplementation was associated with significant reductions in fasting blood glucose (SMD = − 0.34, p < 0.001), fasting insulin (SMD = − 0.72, p < 0.001), and HOMA-IR (SMD = − 0.75, p < 0.001). In addition, total cholesterol (SMD = − 0.35, p < 0.001) and triglyceride levels (SMD = − 0.58, p < 0.001) were significantly reduced. A small but statistically significant reduction in HDL levels was also observed (SMD = − 0.19, p = 0.04). No significant effect was found on LDL-C (SMD = − 0.11, p = 0.55).

CONCLUSION

Mineral supplementation may improve insulin resistance and selected metabolic parameters in PCOS, with the most consistent effects observed for glycemic indices. Effects on lipid parameters were mixed. Further large-scale, well-designed trials are needed to clarify long-term benefits and optimal supplementation strategies. CLINICAL TRIAL NUMBER: Not applicable.