Evaluation of Dietary Inflammatory Index (DII) and Healthy Eating Index (HEI) in Infertile Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Case-Control Study.

BACKGROUND

Global infertility affects over 186 million women, posing significant health and societal challenges. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most prevalent endocrine disorder among reproductive-aged women, often characterized by inflammatory dysregulation. Dietary factors exacerbate insulin resistance and ovulatory dysfunction in PCOS through heightened inflammation. Improving diet quality may mitigate hyperinsulinemia, hyperandrogenism, and inflammation, thereby reducing complications such as infertility. This study examines diet quality using the healthy eating index (HEI) and the dietary inflammatory index (DII) in women with PCOS experiencing infertility.

METHODS

This case-control study enrolled 80 infertile patients diagnosed with PCOS, alongside 80 healthy individuals without PCOS. Dietary inflammatory Index (DII) and healthy eating index (HEI) scores were computed using a 168-item food frequency questionnaire. Spearman's correlation test was employed to assess variable relationships, and logistic regression was conducted to identify factors influencing PCOS risk.

RESULTS

PCOS patients exhibited higher mean DII scores compared to controls (- 2.24 ± 0.80 vs. - 2.57 ± 0.93) and lower HEI scores (55.74 ± 4.89 vs. 58.64 ± 7.16). Adjusted analyses revealed significant inverse relationships between dietary inflammatory and health indices and PCOS risk. Comparison with CRP levels showed significant associations ( < 0.001), but not with other biochemical markers or insulin resistance (TYG index) ( > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

This study highlights the significant associations between DII, HEI, and the risk of infertility and PCOS. Improving diet quality may mitigate inflammation and associated PCOS complications, offering potential avenues for intervention and prevention strategies.