Background: The atherogenic index of serum (AIS), defined as a logarithm [log] of the ratio of serum concentration of triglycerides to high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, has recently been proposed as a predictive marker for serum atherogenicity and is positively correlated with the cardiovascular disease risk. Also, the nutrient zinc has been previously shown to reduce insulin resistance and hyperglycemia in patients with metabolic disease such as type 2 diabetes and obesity.

Materials and Methods: Sixty women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) were randomly divided into two groups to receive 50mg of zinc as zinc sulphate or placebo for 8 weeks, as an adjunct to their pre-study oral estrogen-progestin compounds therapy. Measurements of blood lipids (including ratio of triglycerides to HDL cholesterol), systolic-and diastolic blood pressure, serum zinc and anthropometric indices and dietary intake were determined at the baseline and after 8 weeks.

Results: At the end of the study, the zinc group had a significantly lower AIS compared to the placebo group (P<0.05). A significant difference was seen in triglyceride level (P<0.02) and the ratio of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) to HDL cholesterol (P<0.05) between the groups at the final visit. In the zinc group, the changes in serum zinc levels were inversely correlated with the change in AIS (P<0.05). Moreover, in the zinc group, ratios of total to HDL cholesterol, LDL to HDL cholesterol, and non-HDL to HDL cholesterol were significantly decreased.

Conclusion: Zinc supplementation may be a valuable nutritional adjuvant therapy to reduce AIS in people with PCOS.

Background: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), as the most prevalent endocrine disorder in reproductive-aged women, is associated with reproductive and metabolic abnormalities. Despite the large literature on the role of dietary composition in control of the metabolic disease, there is so little research on the mineral nutritional status of PCOS women. Thus, this study aimed to determine the serum concentrations of Chromium (Cr), Zinc (Zn) and Magnesium (Mg) in PCOS women in comparison with the healthy controls.

Materials and Methods: This case-control study was carried out on 50 PCOS women and 50 healthy subjects within the age range of 20-45 years. Serum concentrations of Zn, Cr and Mg were estimated by a flame atomic absorption spectrophotometer.

Results: Subjects with PCOS had significantly lower serum concentrations of Zn, Cr and Mg as compared with the control group (P<0.05). In PCOS subjects, the serum glucose levels were negatively correlated with the serum concentrations of Zn (P<0.01), Cr (P<0.001) and Mg (P<0.02).

Conclusion: Concentrations of the Zn, Cr and Mg serum were significantly lower in PCOS women compared to the healthy controls. Moreover, the altered Zn, Cr and Mg levels were related to the glycemic status.