A study published in Current Nutrition Reports on 25th January prescribes ketogenic diet in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Various studies suggest the prevalence of PCOS ranging from 9-10% in states of South India depending on the study, awareness and diagnosis criteria. Other than women of child bearing ages, adolescents and postmenopausal women are also affected. PCOS is one of the important endocrine diseases with indications of insulin resistance, obesity etc. Complexities of conditions are noted more serious in women with gastrointestinal problems as increased intestinal permeability results in abdominal pain leading to irritable bowel syndrome. Hence, diet becomes too much important.
Ketogenic diet is related to induction of ketosis by restricting intake of carbohydrate, moderate intake of protein, but without any restriction on fat intake. The body burns fat for energy instead of glucose. Accordingly, diets are classified in Charak Samhita Sutrasthana 5 as heavy or light depending upon the digestion of food to release energy. Fats are given important. Sesame oil and ghee are main fats mentioined as Snehapana in Ayurveda. Sesame oil is rich in omega-3 pulyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) while ghee contains 20-22% PUFAs. Kaism-Karakas and others (2004) have shown the positive effects of PUFA on metabolic and endocrine problem in women with PCOS. Positive results are noted in weight-reduction and fasting insulin by using Omega-3 PUFA (Hartweg et al., 2008). PUFAs are proven for gut homeostasis, intestinal health and in modulation of dislipidemia in women with PCOS by various mechanism. Gut-brain axis is important that involves communication between enteric and central nervous system for modulation of activity through immune system. Phelan and others (2011) have shown the effects of n-3 PUFAs in improving androgenic profiles.The mechanism is through regulation of expression of cytochrome P51 (CYP51) as observed by Hu et al. (2019). Detailed studies are required to understand the common pathya and apathya in cases of PCOS by screening through diversified pharmacological examinations.
