Common Vitamin Deficiencies in Women with PCOS

Are you feeling fatigued or cold all the time? It can be a result of your diet or an indication of something that you do not eat. Surprisingly, there are a number of symptoms that do not contribute to good health and tend to be missing from your body. All of these indicate some specific yet extremely common vitamin deficiencies or health conditions like PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome). Affecting more than 70% of women in western countries PCOS is an endocrine disorder associated with a range of vitamin and nutrient deficiencies, says Obstetrics and Gynaecology Doctors in Dubai. 

Even though vitamins and nutrients constitute an essential part of a diet, they are most often overlooked. A diet low in vitamins and nutrients is home to various unpleasant symptoms like stress, tiredness, obesity, high blood pressure, and PCOS. Today in this blog post, we will discuss some of the most common vitamin deficiencies that are somewhat related to polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS).  

Common deficiencies with PCOS  

In the race of eating right and having healthy balanced meals we women often miss out on the most basic vitamins and nutrients. Patients with PCOS are more likely to develop deficiencies related to vitamins and nutrients.  

  • Vitamin D  

No matter where we live in this world, we always think that we are getting a lot of sunlight, but somehow we still miss out on it, which leads to a deficiency of vitamin D. Consumption of vitamin D is considered important for better regulation of reproductive hormones affecting pregnancy. Vitamin D also helps reduce insulin resistance and manage blood sugar levels in the body.  

Food items to boost vitamin D levels 

  1. Eggs 

  2. Dairy products 

  3. Orange 

  4. Honey 

  5. Fish

  • Iron

As per the reports, women are more vulnerable to attracting an iron deficiency. The prime reason is that we menstruate and lose blood at least once a month. Iron deficiency causes anaemia, low red blood cell count, dizziness, brittle nails, soreness, and others. In order to manage and cover up that loss, it is important to get enough iron on a daily basis. 

Food items to boost iron levels

  1. Seafood 

  2. Red meat 

  3. Dark green leafy vegetable 

  4. Iron-fortified cereals and bread 

  5. Beans

  • Vitamin B9 

Vitamin B9, also known as folic acid, is important for women with PCOS because it helps control inflammation. Apart from just PCOS patients, vitamin B9 is also considered the best for pregnant women or someone willing to be one. It helps with the proper development of the fetus’s spine, brain, skull, and other parts during the first 4 weeks of pregnancy.  

Food items to boost vitamin B9 levels

  1. Fresh fruits 

  2. Whole grains 

  3. Peanuts 

  4. Sunflower seeds 

  5. Leafy green vegetables

  • Calcium 

Funnily enough, do you remember that as children we were so often reminded that we needed calcium to make our bones stronger and healthier? But most of us are still missing out on this. For women, low calcium levels can lead to bone breakages and osteoporosis (the loss of bone density). It is advised to have a proper amount of calcium or take calcium supplements that best suit you.  

Food items to boost calcium levels

  1. Milk and cheese

  2. Fortified flour

  3. Soybeans 

  4. Fruits 

  5. Green vegetables

  • Vitamin B12 

In the list of ‘need more of’ vitamin B12 tops the space. It helps make red blood cells, and promotes healthy digestion, along with neurological functions. A deficiency of vitamin B12 can be found if you feel tired even after getting enough sleep. The deficiency of vitamin B12 includes symptoms like anemia, a swollen tongue, muscle weakness, and numbness in different parts of the body like the hands, feet, legs, etc. 

Food items to boost vitamin B12 levels

  1. Meat 

  2. Dairy products 

  3. Vegetables

  4. Fortified breakfast cereals

  5. Fruits

If you are diagnosed with PCOS or are experiencing the symptoms, it is advised to not miss out on getting enough of what your body needs and to always follow a healthy diet. Even after following the right diet and getting the right vitamins and nutrients if you see no changes then consult the Best Gynaecologist in Dubai. In general, PCOS can be kept under control with some major lifestyle changes and timely treatment under the guidance of Dr. Elsa, the Topmost Female Gynaecologist in Dubai. Do not hesitate to ask for help from your doctor whenever needed or simply book an appointment at New Concept Clinic, a Gynaecology Hospital in Dubai offering Gynaecological Services in Dubai