Evidence map›Paper›PMID 40607019›Full record

SynthesisFrontiers in nutrition2025

Optimizing carbohydrate quality: a path to better health for women with PCOS.

Li Zhang, Yuxin Jin, Aili Yang, Xinwen Yu, Yi Li, Xin Wang, Chunni Heng, Biao Qi, Bin Gao, Guohong Zhao

Abstract readSystematic Review
In one paragraph

Synthesis in Frontiers in nutrition, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 4 papers.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
4citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

4 citing papers in PubMed.

  1. Article
  2. Review
  3. Review
  4. Review
4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

10 authors.

Li Zhang *Department of Endocrinology, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China.
Yuxin Jin *Department of Endocrinology, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China.
Aili Yang *Department of Endocrinology, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China.
Xinwen YuDepartment of Endocrinology, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China.
Yi LiDepartment of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China.
Xin WangDepartment of Endocrinology, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China.
Chunni HengDepartment of Endocrinology, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China.
Biao QiDepartment of Endocrinology, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China.
Bin GaoDepartment of Endocrinology, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China.
Guohong ZhaoDepartment of Endocrinology, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China.

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

Introduction: The rising global prevalence of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) poses a significant threat to women's metabolic and reproductive health. The carbohydrate quality-particularly dietary fiber, glycemic index (GI), and glycemic load (GL)-in addressing metabolic and reproductive abnormalities remains debated due to the condition's heterogeneity. "The ongoing debate regarding PCOS arises from its complexity and heterogeneity, including variations in clinical symptoms, underlying causes, and treatment responses." This study aimed to perform a meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials to examine the effects of high fiber and low glycemic index (LGI)/low glycemic load (LGL) dietary interventions on metabolic parameters in women with PCOS. Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted using PubMed, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Ovid MEDLINE, and Scopus to identify eligible studies. The outcomes were reported as standardized mean differences (SMD) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Heterogeneity among studies was evaluated using the chi-square test and the I Results: The study showed high dietary fiber and LGI significantly reduced fasting glucose and insulin resistance. Both high fiber and the LGI diet significantly reduced triglycerides and Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), with fiber also increasing High-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C). High-fiber and LGI diets increased Sex Hormone-Binding Globulin (SHBG) and reduced Free androgen index (FAI). Discussion: This meta-analysis highlights the significant benefits of optimizing dietary carbohydrate quality on glycolipid metabolism, sex hormone levels, and weight in women with PCOS. While further high-quality studies are needed, the findings suggest that dietary fiber and LGI/LGL consumption have distinct effects on metabolic parameters. Therefore, treatment strategies should incorporate personalized dietary interventions tailored to the specific needs of women with PCOS within a shared decision-making framework. Systematic review registration: www.crd.york.ac.uk, identifier PROSPERO CRD42024579681.

Indexed as

carbohydrate qualityglycolipid metabolismmeta-analysispolycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)sex hormones

Identifiers

PMID40607019
PMCPMC12213572

What OpenQuestion holds

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LicenceCC BY
Read underepoch 390

Registered trials

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Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.