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Inositol is part of the vitamin B complex, although in cells inositol can be synthesized from glucose. There are different stereoisomers, Myo-inositol and D-chiro-inositol are both involved in insulin signaling. They have a key therapeutic role in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) owing to their action as modulators of insulin sensitivity. Inositols have proved to be effective in PCOS, improving metabolic and hormonal state, and restoring spontaneous ovulation. Myo-inositol and D-chiro-inositol are useful as a treatment particularly in PCOS women desiring pregnancy and in patients with contraindications to other insulin-sensitizing drugs. Laganà AS, Garzon S, Casarin J, Franchi M, Ghezzi F. Inositol in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: Restoring Fertility through a Pathophysiology-Based Approach. Trends Endocrinol Metab. 2018 Nov;29(11):768-780. doi: 10.1016/j.tem.2018.09.001. Epub 2018 Sep 27.

Inositol is part of the vitamin B complex, although in cells inositol can be synthesized from glucose. There are different stereoisomers, Myo-inositol and D-chiro-inositol are both involved in insulin signaling. They have a key therapeutic role in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) owing to their action as modulators of insulin sensitivity. Inositols have proved to be effective in PCOS, improving metabolic and hormonal state, and restoring spontaneous ovulation. Myo-inositol and D-chiro-inositol are useful as a treatment particularly in PCOS women desiring pregnancy and in patients with contraindications to other insulin-sensitizing drugs. Laganà AS, Garzon S, Casarin J, Franchi M, Ghezzi F. Inositol in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: Restoring Fertility through a Pathophysiology-Based Approach. Trends Endocrinol Metab. 2018 Nov;29(11):768-780. doi: 10.1016/j.tem.2018.09.001. Epub 2018 Sep 27.

L-Carnitine is a compound with important roles in fatty acid metabolism, oxidative stress mechanisms, and glucose metabolism. According to a clinical study, non obese women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) have significantly decreased serum total L-carnitine levels when compared with healthy women.

Clinical data reveal that lower L-carnitine level could be linked with hyperandrogenism and insulin resistance. L-carnitine influenced oocyte quality because L-carnitine provides transport of fatty acids and regulation of energy production, which have a central role in promoting oocyte maturation. Günalan E, Yaba A, Yılmaz B. The effect of nutrient supplementation in the management of polycystic ovary syndrome-associated metabolic dysfunctions: A critical review. J Turk Ger Gynecol Assoc. 2018 Nov 15;19(4):220-232. doi: 10.4274/jtgga.2018.0077. Epub 2018 Oct 9.

Folate, a term of Latin origin “folium”, was first isolated in spinach and is found mainly in green leafy vegetables. They are often confused with folic acid but in reality, although they have the same composition, there is a subtle difference: folates are natural compounds present in food while folic acid is a chemical synthesis molecule. Our body is not able to produce folates, therefore it is essential to have an appropriate diet that allows it to be introduced and absorbed. Folate, water-soluble molecules, perform multiple functions: they act as a support in the growth of maternal tissues during pregnancy, guarantee the normal hematopoiesis and the synthesis of amino acids, support in the immune system and the normal psychological function. The folate cycle is fundamental for the synthesis of methionine (an indispensable amino acid for the production of DNA, RNA and proteins) and for the elimination of homocysteine, a metabolite which, if accumulated (hyperhomocysteinemia), can cause damage to the nervous system and to vascular system, due to its histolesive action. Folate also intervenes in the process of cell division and contributes to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue. Scaglione F, Panzavolta G. Folate, folic acid and 5-methyltetrahydrofolate are not the same thing. Xenobiotica. 2014 May;44(5):480-8. doi: 10.3109/00498254.2013.845705. Epub 2014 Feb 4.

Vitamin B6 is a water-soluble vitamin that is part of the B group. It acts as a coenzyme for more than 140 biochemical reactions, including the metabolism of amino acids, lipids and carbohydrates, the production of neurotransmitters, DNA synthesis and of the RNA, the immune function, the biosynthesis of the heme (component of the hemoglobin for the transport of oxygen in the red globules) and the homeostasis of the homocysteine ​​(metabolite that damages the vases). B6 deficiency is found mainly in the elderly and a slight deficiency is sufficient to generate negative implications, such as cognitive and memory problems in the central nervous system and peripheral neuropathies in the peripheral nervous system. Vitamin B6 also contributes to the reduction of tiredness, fatigue and to the normal psychological function. Its need increases when the body is subjected to stressful conditions. Parra M, Stahl S, Hellmann H. Vitamin B₆ and Its Role in Cell Metabolism and Physiology. Cells. 2018 Jul 22;7(7):84. doi: 10.3390/cells7070084.

Vitamin D, is a fat-soluble vitamin synthesized by our body, through the absorption of the sun’s rays operated by the skin. It is best known for its functions of regulating calcium homeostasis: useful for the normal development, growth and maintenance of a healthy skeleton. Vitamin D, in fact, regulates the absorption of calcium and phosphate in the intestine, the mobilization of calcium in the bones and the reabsorption of calcium in the kidney. Vitamin D also intervenes in the process of cell division and contributes to the homeostasis of the immune system. Vitamin D promotes the synthesis of the proteins that make up the muscle fibers.

Vitamin E, is a fat-soluble vitamin, which is stored in the liver. It is absorbed by the intestinal mucosa thanks to the presence of dietary fats. Its concentration in the blood is regulated by the liver. Its presence in the intestine also favors the absorption of other vitamins, such as vitamin A and vitamin D. It acts as a powerful antioxidant, protecting it from damage caused by free radicals and cellular aging.

Selenium is an essential mineral naturally found in soil, water, and some of the food. As an antioxidant, it is one of the necessary trace elements in human body and has been suggested as a dietary supplement for health benefit. Selenium is indispensable for maintaining normal functions of metabolism. Wang N, Tan HY, Li S, Xu Y, Guo W, Feng Y. Supplementation of Micronutrient Selenium in Metabolic Diseases: Its Role as an Antioxidant. Oxid Med Cell Longev. 2017;2017:7478523. doi: 10.1155/2017/7478523. Epub 2017 Dec 26.