Department of Nutrition Student Projects
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Submission Date
4-17-2025
Document Type
Undergraduate Project
Degree Name
Bachelor of Science in Human Nutrition (BSHN)
First Mentor
Andrea Charvet, PhD, RDN, LDN
Keywords
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, PCOS, Mediterranean Diet, Low-Glycemic Index Diet, Infertility, Ovulation, Endocrine Disorder, Menstruation, Reproductive Health, Nutrition
Abstract
Endocrine disorder Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is an imbalance of reproductive hormones in women, primarily treated with medications such as hormonal birth control and metformin. However, long-term use of medications can have adverse effects as it masks the symptoms of PCOS rather than treat it. Women of childbearing age who are diagnosed with PCOS often are diagnosed with infertility. This proposed research study aims to look at the holistic approach to evaluate how the Low-Glycemic Index (GI) diet and the Mediterranean diet (MD) can impact individuals with PCOS. The primary objective of this study is to assess the impact of these diets on ovulatory function and overall fertility outcomes. A population of 200 childbearing-age women with diagnosis of PCOS will participate in a 6-month dietary intervention, recruited through a questionnaire to survey symptoms before diet adherence. This study will contain an experimental group of participants following a diet with properties of either the Low GI diet or the MD, as well as a control group with minimal dietary changes or restriction. Over 6 months, dietary adherence will be tracked through daily food diaries, bi-weekly online consultations with a registered dietitian, and monthly blood hormone tests. Menstrual cycles and ovulation are to be monitored with ovulation tests, taken at regular monthly intervals. A post-hoc statistical analysis will be conducted to compare the effects of either diets on fertility parameters, offering insights into diet as a potential intervention for managing PCOS symptoms and enhancing reproductive health in affected women.
NSUWorks Citation
Samantha Cicardo, Kayla Le, and Carly Traynor. 2025. The impact of the Mediterranean Diet and low-glycemic diet on fertility in women of childbearing age with PCOS. Capstone. Nova Southeastern University. Retrieved from NSUWorks, . (19)
https://nsuworks.nova.edu/hpd_com_nutrition/19.