Effect of Magnesium Supplementation on Insulin Resistance in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Randomized, Single-blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial Study

Abstract

Background: It has been revealed that low serum magnesium (Mg) is often associated with insulin Resistance (IR), cardiovascular problems, diabetes mellitus, and hypertension. Patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) are known to have a high incidence of insulin resistance. Objective: To assess the effects of magnesium supplementation on insulin resistance in polycystic ovary syndrome. Methods: This randomized controlled study was conducted in the Department of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU), Dhaka, from January 2021 to December 2021. A total of 74 women diagnosed of infertility with PCOS were included in this study. Eligible women who gave their informed consent were allocated into either group A: (Magnesium oxide) or group B (placebo) on the basis of a computerized generated table system allocated into two groups 37 patients (group-A) and 37 patients (group -B). Group A received magnesium oxide & group B received a placebo for 12 weeks. After 12 weeks of treatment, both groups were advised to repeat biochemical assay for fasting glucose, fasting insulin, HOMA-IR, serum testosterone & serum lipid profile at the follow-up visit. Results: Magnesium supplementation for 12 weeks among women with PCOS had favorable effects on waist circumference (changes from baseline in the intervention group: -0.76±3.1 vs. -1.7±1.8 cm in the placebo group) and BMI (-2.13±0.98 vs. -0.32±0.52 kg/m2) compared with the placebo group. Magnesium oxide led to a significant reduction in HOMA-IR (-1.49±0.95 vs. 0.09± 0.29) compared with placebo. Serum triglycerides was significantly decreased (-36.7±53.5 vs. 0.1±17.9 mg/d) in the magnesium group than placebo. HDL level was significantly increased in the magnesium group (2.3±5.9 mg/dl), while HDL level was decreased in the placebo group (-1.7±2.7 mg/dl). Significant mean change of total testosterone in magnesium group (0.43±0.35 ng/dL) than placebo group (-0.01±0.05 ng/dL). However, total cholesterol and LDL were also decreased in the magnesium group than in the placebo group, but the difference was not statistically significant (p>0.05) compared between the two groups. Conclusion: The present study provides evidence showing that magnesium supplementation resulted in reduced WC, BMI, HOMA-IR, total cholesterol, triglyceride, LDL, and testosterone levels in women with PCOS. Also, magnesium supplementation might increase serum HDL levels. Though there was a significantly increased pregnancy rate of magnesium supplementation than in a placebo group.