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. 2022 Apr 6;12:5770. doi: 10.1038/s41598-022-09082-3

Effect of vitamin E supplementation on cardiometabolic risk factors, inflammatory and oxidative markers and hormonal functions in PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome): a systematic review and meta‐analysis

Ghazale Tefagh 1, Moloud Payab 2,✉,#, Mostafa Qorbani 3, Farshad Sharifi 4, Yasaman Sharifi 2, Mahbubeh Sadat Ebrahimnegad Shirvani 5, Farzad Pourghazi 2, Rasha Atlasi 6, Zhaleh Shadman 4, Nafiseh Rezaei 7,8, Erfan Mohammadi-Vajari 9, Bagher Larijani 2, Mahbube Ebrahimpur 4,✉,#
PMCID: PMC8985066  PMID: 35388031

Abstract

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrinopathy among reproductive-age women. Various therapeutical approaches are currently used to manage or control symptoms associated with PCOS. This systematic review intended to assess the effects of Vit E supplementation on cardiometabolic risk factors, inflammatory and oxidative markers, and hormonal functions in PCOS women based on the clinical trial's results. The databases including PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane, Web of Science, and Embase were used to find all relevant studies. The authors reviewed all relevant clinical trials via systematic evaluation of abstracts and titles. Searches were conducted on August 1, 2020. After the initial search and reading of the article's title and abstract, 353 articles were reviewed; finally, 12 articles met the inclusion criteria. Vitamin E supplementation improves lipid profile, decreases insulin and HOMA-IR levels. Furthermore, while Vitamin E supplementation decreases LH and testosterone concentrations, it increases FSH and progestrone concentrations. The following meta-analysis showed that vitamin E supplementation made statistically significant improvements in triglyceride (TG) and low-density lipoproteins (LDL) levels, meanwhile, pooled mean difference for waist circumference (WC) and HOMA-IR were also statistically significant. Supplementary regimens containing vitamin E can positively affect metabolic and hormonal parameters in women with PCOS.

Subject terms: Biomarkers, Endocrinology, Medical research, Risk factors

Introduction

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrinopathy among women in reproductive age with a variable prevalence between 4 and 8%, as defined by the NIH/NICHD criteria1. PCOS is a heterogeneous syndrome characterized by symptoms of hyperandrogenism (e.g. acne, hirsutism, and alopecia), anovulation (e.g. irregular menstrual cycles, oligomenorrhea, and amenorrhea), and polycystic ovarian morphology2. PCOS is associated with a variety of metabolic conditions, including type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), hypertension, dyslipidemia, cardiovascular disease (CVD), and atherosclerosis3–5. Insulin resistance and hyperinsulinemia are common findings in PCOS as 44–70% of patients suffer from them6,7. Meanwhile, Dyslipidemia which can significantly decrease high-density lipoprotein (HDL), and increase triglyceride (TG) concentrations are certainly the most prevalent and persistent cardiovascular risk factors encountered in women with PCOS8.

The pathophysiology of PCOS is not clearly elaborated yet, but it might be associated with genetic factors, lifestyle, and deficiency of essential micronutrients in patients with insulin resistance and oxidative stress9,10. The first-line treatments of PCOS are mostly lifestyle modifications including exercise and diet alterations11, as imbalanced element status is an essential foundation for insulin resistance in PCOS 12. There is growing interest in using different combinations of dietary supplements such as magnesium and vitamin E, as their synergistic impact might help improve metabolic profiles in several diseases with metabolic abnormalities 13–15. Magnesium and vitamin E co-supplementation for 12 weeks could have beneficial effects on insulin metabolic parameters along with markers of cardio-metabolic risk in women with PCOS 16. Furthermore, Omega-3 fatty acids (FA) and vitamin E co-supplementations for 12 weeks in PCOS women are stated to have significantly improved insulin resistance indices and both total and free testosterone. Moreover, the beneficial effects on gene expression and oxidative stress biomarkers in this regimen have been reported 17. For instance, another study showed that it could significantly improve lipoprotein gene expression (a) and oxidized low-density lipoprotein, lipid profiles, and biomarkers of oxidative stress in patients with PCOS 18.

According to our search in the literature, there has not been a systematic review that has evaluated the role of vitamin E supplementation in PCOS treatment, this study aimed to assess the effects of vitamin E supplementation on cardiometabolic risk factors, inflammatory and oxidative markers, and hormonal functions in PCOS women based on the clinical trials' results.

Methods

This study is reported using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guideline 19.

Search strategy and data collection

All studies evaluating the effects of supplementary vitamin E regimens on cardiometabolic risk factors, inflammatory and oxidative markers, and hormonal functions in comparison to control group (placebo/no treatment) in PCOS patients have been searched and reviewed. The databases, including PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Embase, were used to find all relevant studies. Also, the references of the relevant articles were explored to find other relevant articles. The search was not restricted to any specific time frame or language. Three emails with acceptable intervals (about two weeks) were sent to the corresponding authors of restricted access articles' for full texts. Searches were conducted on August 1, 2020, and reported the search strategy in Table 1 supplementary.

Table 1.

Descriptions of the studies included in the systematic review and meta-analysis of the association between PCO and vitamin E supplementation.

No Author , year Country Type of Study Study Subject Sample Size Dose /duration of supplementation Intervention type Control Group Mean Age Outcome Follow up duration Measurement interval
1 Chen22 a China RCT PCOS

I = 105

C = 110

 100 mg/day oral vitamin E /for 25 days MT Placebo: CC (100 mg/day for 5 days starting on day 3 of a spontaneous menstrual cycle or withdrawal bleeding) and HMG (75 IU every second day Starting from day 8) 26.88 ± 2.84

Estradiol Testosterone LH

FSH

PRL

 Until miscarriage or delivery _
2 Hager24 Austria RCT PCOS

I = 30

C = 30

 30 mg vitamin E + 500 mg Omega-3 fatty acids + 800 μg folic acid, 70 μg selenium, 4 mg catechin, 12 mg glycyrrhizin, 30 mg Co-Q10 / 12 Weeks CT Placebo (200 μg folic acid) 27.7 ± 5.7

Testosterone

SHBG

FSH

LH

Estradiol

BMI

HOMA-IR

 12 Weeks Baseline and after 3 months
3 Jamilian16 Iran RCT PCOS

I = 30

C = 30

 400 mg/ day Vitamin E + 250 mg/day Magnesium/12 Weeks CT Placebo (Barij Essence Pharmaceuticals, Kashan, Iran) 29.2 ± 7.2

Weight

BMI

FBS

Ins

HOMA-IR

TC

TG

LDL

HDL

 12 Weeks Baseline and after 3 months
4 Sadeghi29 Iran RCT PCOS

I = 32

C = 30

 400 IU vitamin E + 2 omega-3 pills daily each containg : 180 mg of Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and 120 mg of Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) / 8 Weeks CT Placebo (oral paraffin) 26.67 ± 3.35

TAC

CAT

GSH

MDA

 8 Weeks Baseline and after 2 months
5 Izad26 Iran RCT PCOS

I = 21

C = 21

 400 IU vitamin E + 200 mg /daily CoQ10/8 Weeks CT Placebo (CoQ10 placebo + vitamin E placebo) 28.33 ± 5.52

BMI

WC

TG

TC

LDL

HDL

Non-HDL

 8 Weeks Baseline and after 2 months
6 Shokrpou30 Iran RCT PCOS

I = 30

C = 30

 400 mg/day Vitamin E + 250 mg/day Magnesium/12 Weeks CT Placebo (Barij Essence Pharmaceuticals, Kashan, Iran) 27.2 ± 7.1

Weight

BMI

CRP

MDA

GSH

TAC

NO

Testosterone

SHBG

 12 Weeks Baseline and after 3 months
7 Jamilian27 Iran RCT PCOS

I = 20

C = 20

 400 IU vitamin E + 1000 mg Omega-3 fatty acids/12 Weeks CT Placebo (paraffin) 22.3 ± 4.7

Weight

BMI

WC

 12 Weeks Baseline and after 3 months
8 Izadi25 Iran RCT PCOS

I = 21

C = 21

 400 IU Vitamin E + 200 mg /daily CoQ10/8 Weeks CT Placebo (CoQ10 placebo + vitamin E placebo) 28.33 ± 5.52

Weight

BMI

FBS

Ins

HOMA-IR

Testosterone

Estradiol

SHBG

FSH

LH

Progesterone

 8 Weeks Baseline and after 2 months
9 Talari31 Iran RCT PCOS

I = 30

C = 30

 400 IU vitamin E + 1000 mg Omega-3/ 12 Weeks CT Placebo (paraffin) - (18–40)

NO

CRP

 12 Weeks Baseline and after 3 months
10 Panti28 Nigeria RCT PCOS

I = 100

C = 100

 15 mg vitamin E + 5000 IU vitamin A, 5 mg vitamin B1, 2 mg vitamin B6, 5 mg vitamin B12, 75 mg vitamin C, 400 IU vitamin D3, 45 mg Nicotinamide, 1000 mcg folic acid, 50 mg ferrous fumarate, 70 mg calcium phosphate, 0.1 mg Copper sulphate, 0.01 mg Manganese sulphate, 50 mg Zinc sulphate, 0.025 mg Potassium iodide, 0.5 mg Magnesium oxide /6 months CT Placebo (ferrous fumarate 100 mg) 28.18 ± 0.82 MDA 6 months Baseline and after 6 months
11 Ebrahimi23 Iran RCT PCOS

I = 34

C = 34

 400 IU Vitamin E + 1000 mg Omega-3 Fatty Acids/12 Weeks CT Placebo (placebos capsules by Barij Essence Kashan, Iran) 23.8 ± 4.6

Weight

BMI

FBS

Ins

HOMA-IR

HOMA-B

Testosterone—total

Testosterone- free

DHEAS

SHBG

 12 Weeks Baseline and after 3 months
12 Rahmani35 Iran RCT PCOS

I = 34

C = 34

400 IU vitamin E + 1000 mg omega-3 fatty acids

/12 Weeks

 CT Placebo (placebos Capsules by Barij Essence Kashan, Iran) 24.9 ± 5.5

Weight

BMI

TC

TG

LDL

HDL

MDA

GSH

TAC

FSH

LH

 12 Weeks Baseline and after 3 months
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RCT randomized controlled trial, PCOS polycystic ovarian syndrome, I intervention, C control, MT mono therapy, CT combination therapy, CC clomiphene citrate, HMG human menopausal gonadotropin, IU international unit, LH luteinizing hormone, FSH follicular stimulating hormone, PRL prolactin, CoQ10 co-enzyme Q10, SHBG sex hormone binding globulin, HOMA-IR homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance, TC total cholesterol, TG triglyceride, LDL low density lipoprotein, HDL high density lipoprotein, TAC total antioxidant capacity, CAT catalase, GSH glutathione, MDA malondialdehyde, WC weight circumference, FBS fasting blood sugar, Ins insulin, HOMA-B homeostatic model assessment of beta cell function, DHEAS dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate.

aIn this study intervention group consists of groups B and C with Vitamin E treatment during follicular and luteal phase, respectively.

Inclusion criteria

Types of studies:

All relevant clinical trials (including double and single-blind and data from a parallel and cross-over group designed) evaluating the effects of vitamin E supplementary regimens in PCOS patients were gathered, and single-arm studies were not included in the study. Two authors (MM and GhT) independently screened all ofthe retrieved clinical trials using their titles and abstracts. Full-text of relevant articles were collected to assess their relevance according to the inclusion/exclusion criteria.

Types of participants:

The studies that evaluated the effects of vitamin E supplementation outcomes in the PCO adult population (≥ 18 years) were included in this study. In this regard, the subjects of the study contained patients with the PCOS receiving vitamin E supplementary regimens and control groups of PCOS patients receiving placebo or no treatment; we exclude those studies that have populations restricted to specific diseases or conditions.

Types of Interventions:

This systematic review study included all studies evaluating vitamin E supplementation (alone or as a part of combination therapy) in PCOS patients.

Types of outcomes:

The effects of vitamin E on the following outcomes were evaluated in PCOS patients:

  1. Cardiometabolic risk factors including lipid profile (Total Cholesterol (TC), HDL, Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL), TG), glycemic indices (Fasting Blood Sugar (FBS), hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), Insulin (ins), Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR)), and anthropometric measures (weight, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC))

  2. Biomarkers of inflammation and oxidative stress including C-reactive protein (CRP), plasma nitric oxide (NO), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), glutathione (GSH), malondialdehyde (MDA)

  3. Sex hormones including free testosterone, total testosterone, sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEAS), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), progesterone, estradiol

Data extraction and quality assessment

Data were extracted independently from included trials by two authors according to a predefined data extraction sheet. The extracted data included (a) bibliographic and general information (author, title, publication year, type of study, randomization, and location), (b) participants (sample size and mean age), (c) intervention (type of intervention (single/combination therapy), dose of supplementation and duration), (d) control group (no treatment, placebo therapy), and (e) outcomes (reported outcomes, and follow-up time).

Two authors independently assessed the quality of included studies using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool20,21.

Statistical analysis and data synthesis

The effects of vitamin E supplementation on cardiometabolic risk factors, inflammatory and oxidative markers, and hormonal functions in PCOS women were assessed using the standardized mean difference (SMD). The meta-analysis of SMD was performed and the outcome was demonstrated as pooled standardized mean difference with 95% confidence interval. The fixed and random effect models were considered for analysis based on homogeneity of data (I2 < 50% considered as fix effect and I2 ≥ 50% considered as a random effect). The publication bias was assessed using Egger test and was presented schematically using the funnel plot. Because of the scarcity of data subgroup analysis was not carried out on the extracted data.

Ethical considerations

In this study, ethical approval is not essential because used data are not subjects, and the results are discussed through peer‐reviewed publications.

Results

Description of included studies

The flow chart of the search process and study selection is depicted in Fig. 1. Following a search on PubMed (n = 33), Scopus (n = 174), Web of Science (n = 54), and the Embase (n = 17) databases, 278 relevant articles were identified. After the initial search and reading of the article's title and abstract, 353 articles were reviewed; finally, 12 articles met the inclusion criteria16,18,22–31. The characteristics of included clinical trials are summarized in Table 1. Most of the studies about vitamin E and PCO treatment were conducted in Iran. Eleven studies16,18,22–31 evaluated the effects of vitamin E co-supplementation with other supplements such as omega 3 fatty acids and magnesium in PCOS women. Table 1 shows details different regimens used in each study.

Figure 1.

Figure 1

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Flow chart for study identification and selection.

Quality of included studies

Five studies15,17,23,27,34 did not describe the method used for allocation concealment clearly. Two studies23,28 were single-blind and four others2,17,22,27 did not describe the blinding process in detail. Detection bias was considered high for three studies16,23,27 and was unclear for nearly all other studies2,15,17,22,24,25,28,34. Three studies2,22,34 did not report some outcomes after the intervention. One study23 had a high risk of selective reporting bias as they did not report hormonal changes. The complete risk of bias evaluation is presented in Fig. 2. The GRADE framework20,21 rated the strength of the evidence for all outcomes as moderate, except for BMI16,23,24,26,27,31–33 and weight16,23,24,26,27,32, which were rated as high; progesterone24, LH24,26,29,31, FSH24,26,29,31, and CRP32,34, which were rated as low; and CAT28 and PRL29, which were rated as very low strength (Table2 supplementary) .

Figure 2.

Figure 2

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Assessment of the risk of bias in the included studies. Green circle (+): Low risk, Red circle (−): High risk, ?: Unclear.

Table 2.

The effect of vitamin E supplementation on cardiometabolic risk factors, inflammatory and oxidative markers, and hormonal functions in PCOS women.

Authors, year Outcome Intervention (mean ± SD) Control (mean ± SD) Between Groups
Before After Change d Before After Change d Change Significance Effect size
Mean ± SD Mean ± SD Mean ± SD Mean ± SD Mean ± SD Mean ± SD Mean ± SD NR NR
Chen22 between A and Ba Estradiol 44.87 ± 30.52 336.51 ± 155.62 291.64 ± 139.461 − 2.60 44.47 ± 28.87 245.23 ± 126.74 200.76 ± 111.82 − 2.18 NR NR NR
Testosterone 1.49 ± 0.52 NR NR NR 1.33 ± 0.59 NR NR NR NR NR NR
LH 7.44 ± 3.45 NR NR NR 6.94 ± 3.21 NR NR NR NR NR NR
FSH 5.29 ± 2.35 NR NR NR 5.30 ± 1.67 NR NR NR NR NR NR
PRL 14.97 ± 9.97 NR NR NR 14.24 ± 7.92 NR NR NR NR NR NR
Chen22 between A and Ca Estradiol 45.61 ± 37.42 214.92 ± 114.11 − 1.99 44.47 ± 28.87 245.23 ± 126.74 − 2.18 NR NR NR
Testosterone 1.51 ± 0.58 NR NR NR 1.33 ± 0.59 NR NR NR NR NR NR
LH 6.85 ± 2.82 NR NR NR 6.94 ± 3.21 NR NR NR NR NR NR
FSH 5.43 ± 2.44 NR NR NR 5.30 ± 1.67 NR NR NR NR NR NR
PRL 14.76 ± 8.01 NR NR NR 14.24 ± 7.92 NR NR NR NR NR NR
Hager24 Testosterone 0.50 ± 0.19 0.43 ± 0.15  − 0.06 ± 0.09 0.40 0.43 ± 0.13 0.44 ± 0.12 0.01 ± 0.50 − 0.07 0.07 ± 0.50 NR NR
SHBG 46.4 ± 20.2 48.3 ± 19.2 1.8 ± 8.3 − 0.09 44.2 ± 27.3 47.1 ± 26.7 − 2.5 ± 10.6 − 0.10 − 4.30 ± 13.23 NR NR
FSH 5.5 ± 1.9 5.8 ± 1.8 0.4 ± 1.6 − 0.16 5.9 ± 1.6 5.2 ± 1.4  − 0.8 ± 1.9 0.46 − 1.20 ± 2.46 NR NR
LH 13.2 ± 6.1 10.7 ± 3.6  − 2.5 ± 4.8 0.49 11.2 ± 6.5 10.0 ± 5.3  − 1.3 ± 4.7 0.20 1.20 ± 6.67 NR NR
Estradiol 60.71 ± 39.60 57.18 ± 26.23  − 6.36 ± 25.65 0.10 59.61 ± 29.02 57.50 ± 23.07  − 2.11 ± 18.19 0.08 4.25 ± 31.39 NR NR
BMI 26.2 ± 5.6 NR NR NR 25.6 ± 5.4 NR NR NR NR NR NR
HOMA-IR 8 (26.7) NR NR NR 9 (30.0) NR NR NR NR NR NR
Jamilian16 Weight 66.7 ± 9.5 66.6 ± 9.5 − 0.1 ± 0.3 0.01 67.8 ± 10.9 67.7 ± 11.1 − 0.1 ± 0.8 0.009 0 ± 0.82 NR NR
BMI 25.5 ± 3.5 25.5 ± 3.3 − 0.03 ± 0.1 0 26 ± 4.7 26 ± 4.7 − 0.05 ± 0.3 0 − 0.02 ± 0.27 NR NR
FBS 92.1 ± 12.2 90.9 ± 11.9 − 1.2 ± 6.6 0.09 93.7 ± 5.8 94.4 ± 6.5 0.7 ± 5.2 − 0.11 1.90 ± 8.36 NR NR
Ins 13.4 ± 5.8 12.3 ± 5.0 –1.1 ± 3.0 0.20 12.2 ± 5.1 13.9 ± 4.5 1.6 ± 3.7 − 0.35 2.70 ± 4.75 NR NR
HOMA-IR 3.0 ± 1.4 2.8 ± 1.2 − 0.2 ± 0.7 0.15 2.8 ± 1.2 3.2 ± 1.1 0.4 ± 0.9 − 0.34 0.60 ± 1.09 NR NR
TC 181.6 ± 40.4 174.5 ± 32.2 –7.0 ± 32.6 0.19 185.0 ± 34.4 193.2 ± 33.7 8.1 ± 26.6 − 0.24 15.10 ± 42.00 NR NR
TG 125.0 ± 53.0 110.0 ± 55.0  − 15.0 ± 24.4 0.27 128.1 ± 60.6 134.7 ± 68.9 6.7 ± 22.2 − 0.10 21.70 ± 32.92 NR NR
LDL 104.5 ± 36.0 101.4 ± 30.4 –3.1 ± 30.8 0.09 106.2 ± 37.1 114.2 ± 38.9 8.0 ± 27.8 − 0.21 11.10 ± 41.40 NR NR
HDL 52.1 ± 10.1 51.1 ± 8.6 –1.0 ± 7.0 0.10 53.1 ± 9.3 52.0 ± 10.9 –1.1 ± 6.8 0.10 − 0.10 ± 9.73 NR NR
Sadeghi29 TAC 12.42 ± 1.95 13.58 ± 2.06 1.15 ± 0.93 − 0.57 12.22 ± 1.91 12.16 ± 1.96 − 0.6 ± 0.72 0.03 − 1.75 ± 0.21 NR NR
CAT 10.18 ± 1.27 12.01 ± 1.26 1.19 ± 1.06 − 1.44 11.14 ± 1.11 11.26 ± 1.15 0.12 ± 0.36 − 0.10 − 1.07 ± 0.20 NR NR
GSH 10.65 ± 2.57 12.15 ± 2.66 1.5 ± 1.06 − 0.57 10.77 ± 2.53 11.00 ± 2.65 0.23 ± 1.43 − 0.08 − 1.27 ± 0.31 NR NR
MDA 1.76 ± 0.29 1.42 ± 0.26 − 0.34 ± 0.32 1.23 1.38 ± 0.26 1.95 ± 2.23 0.57 ± 2.20 − 0.35 0.91 ± 0.39 NR NR
Izadi26 BMI 29.28 ± 3.23 28.70 ± 3.13 − 0.59 ± 2.84 0.18 28.73 ± 3.39 28.74 ± 2.9 0.01 ± 2.84 − 0.00 0.6 ± 4.02 NR NR
WC 94.31 ± 8.33 91.81 ± 7.94 − 2.5 ± 7.28 0.30 89.33 ± 7.97 88.43 ± 8.04 − 0.89 ± 7.16 0.11 1.61 ± 10.2 NR NR
TG 108.67 ± 32.00 95.24 ± 5.86 − 13.43 ± 10.43 0.58 112.86 ± 42.27 112.09 ± 9.09 − 0.77 ± 37.52 0.02 5.51 ± 54.28 NR NR
TC 163.38 ± 26.30 153.86 ± 20.98 − 9.52 ± 21.67 0.40 157.43 ± 18.46 159.67 ± 22.87 2.24 ± 18.89 − 0.10 11.76 ± 28.44 NR NR
LDL 87.98 ± 25.64 78.67 ± 21.14 − 9.31 ± 21.30 0.39 79.57 ± 24.17 82.53 ± 22.84 2.96 ± 21.05 − 0.12 12.27 ± 29.6 NR NR
HDL 53.67 ± 7.44 56.14 ± 10.08 2.47 ± 8.18 − 0.27 55.28 ± 11.94 54.71 ± 9.81 − 0.57 ± 9.91 0.05 − 3.04 ± 12.64 NR NR
Non-HDL 109.71 ± 27.87 97.71 ± 21.72 ‒11.77 (‒17.57, ‒5.97) 0.48 102.14 ± 24.39 104.95 ± 24.79 2.87 (‒2.90, 8.64) − 0.11 NR NR NR
Izadi36 VIT E BMI 29.28 ± 4.24 28.92 ± 4.23 − 0.363.78 _ 28.73 ± 3.39 28.74 ± 2.9 0.01 ± 2.84 _ 0.37 ± 4.699 NR NR
TC 163.41 ± 21.86 159 ± 18.96 − 4.41 ± 18.43 – 157.43 ± 18.46 159.67 ± 22.87 2.24 ± 18.89 – 6.65 ± 26.06 NR NR
TG 111.68 ± 44.41 105.18 ± 8.22 − 6.5 ± 40.02 – 112.86 ± 42.27 112.09 ± 9.09 − 0.77 ± 37.52 0.02 5.51 ± 54.28 NR NR
LDL 82.53 ± 20.51 78.1 ± 19.83 − 4.43 ± 18.05 – 79.57 ± 24.17 82.53 ± 22.84 2.96 ± 21.05 – 7.39 ± 27.36 NR NR
HDL 58.54 ± 9.21 59.86 ± 8.45 − 1.32 ± 7.92 – 55.28 ± 11.94 54.71 ± 9.81 − 0.57 ± 9.91 0.05 − 1.89 ± 12.51 NR NR
WC 95 ± 10.82 92.18 ± 10.94 − 2.82 ± 9.73 – 89.33 ± 7.92 88.43 ± 8.04 − 0.89 ± 7.16 – 1.93 ± 11.981 NR NR
Shokrpour30 Weight 69.4 ± 10.7 69.2 ± 10.6  − 0.2 ± 0.3 0.01 70.9 ± 10.3 70.7 ± 10.4  − 0.1 ± 0.6 0.01 0.10 ± 0.65 NR NR
BMI 27.1 ± 4.2 27.0 ± 4.1  − 0.1 ± 0.1 0.02 27.9 ± 4.2 27.8 ± 4.2  − 0.1 ± 0.2 0.02 0.00 ± 0.21 NR NR
CRP 3.7 ± 1.9 3.1 ± 1.7 − .06 ± 1.619 0.33 3.5 ± 1.5 3.7 ± 1.5 0.2 ± 1.34 − 0.13 NR NR NR
MDA 2.7 ± 0.2 2.6 ± 0.2 − 0.1 ± 0.17 0.50 2.4 ± 0.5 2.5 ± 0.5 0.1 ± 0.44 − 0.20 NR NR NR
GSH 508.1 ± 69.1 519.4 ± 47.7 11.3 ± 459.62 − 0.19 481.1 ± 101.2 483.8 ± 94.2 2.7 ± 87.60 − 0.02 NR NR NR
TAC 522.4 ± 30.6 590.7 ± 52.2 68.3 ± 501.52 − 1.59 513.7 ± 81.7 514.5 ± 77.3 0.8 ± 71.21 − 0.01 NR NR NR
NO 34.4 ± 2.3 38.7 ± 4.0 4.3 ± 32.91 − 1.31 36.6 ± 5.6 37.0 ± 5.8 0.4 ± 5.10 − 0.07 NR NR NR
Testosterone 1.4 ± 0.8 1.3 ± 0.7 − 0.1 ± 1.21 0.13 1.2 ± 0.5 1.2 ± 0.6 0 ± 0.5 0 NR NR NR
SHBG 51.4 ± 26.4 62.9 ± 36.3 11.5 ± 52.14 − 0.36 48.5 ± 15.1 49.2 ± 15.2 0.7 ± 13.55 − 0.04 NR NR NR
Jamilian27 Weight 73.6 ± 11.7 72.7 ± 11.8  − 0.9 ± 1.5 0.07 69.8 ± 17.1 69.4 ± 16.9  − 0.4 ± 1.1 0.02 0.50 ± 1.83 NR NR
BMI 28.8 ± 5.1 28.5 ± 5.1  − 0.3 ± 0.6 0.05 26.5 ± 5.9 26.3 ± 5.8  − 0.2 ± 0.4 0.03 0.10 ± 0.71 NR NR
WC 90.0 ± 12.7 89.6 ± 12.6  − 0.4 ± 0.5 0.03 87.1 ± 12.4 86.9 ± 12.2  − 0.2 ± 0.6 0.01 0.20 ± 0.75 NR NR
Izadi25 vit E + COQ10 Weight 75.32 ± 8.66 74.23 ± 8.9 1.43 ± 7.85 0.12 73 .23 ± 7.58 73.2 9 ± 7.3 0.15 ± 6.659 − 0.008 − 1.28 ± 10.29 NR NR
BMI 29.28 ± 3.23 28.7 ± 3.13 − 0.58 ± 2.84 0.25 28.7 3 ± 3.39 28.74 ± 2.9 0.01 ± 2.84 − 0.003 0.59 ± 4.021 NR NR
FBS 89.52 ± 18.66 81.90 ± 15.46 − 7.62 ± 15.52 0.44 79. 95 ± 9.25 80.57 ± 8.96 − 0.62 ± 8.14 − 0.06 8.24 ± 17.5 NR NR
Ins 15.49 ± 6.33 11.37 ± 6.44 − 4.12 ± 5.71 0.64 13.47 ± 9.73 12.47 ± 7.73 − 1 ± 8.01 0.11 3.12 ± 9.83 NR NR
HOMA-IR 3.30 ± 1.29 1.89 ± 0.89 − 1.41 ± 1.038 1.27 2.73 ± 2.12 2.55 ± 1.70 − 0.18 ± 1.74 0.09 1.23 ± 2.016 NR NR
Testosterone 1.42 ± 0.36 0.96 ± 0.32 − 0.46 ± 0.306 1.35 1.33 ± 0.35 1.47 ± 0 .39 0.14 ± 0.332 − 0.37 0.6 ± 0.45 NR NR
Estradiol 91.85 ± 28.16 101.65 ± 30.7 9.8 ± 26.42 − 0.33 74.43 ± 17.95 71. 09 ± 12.38 − 3.34 ± 14.44 0.21 − 13.14 ± 30.10 NR NR
SHBG 27.60 (21.85, 40.05) 50.30 (33.00,86.95) NR _ 42.30 (25.20, 56.80) 40.80 (31.00, 44.50) NR _ NR NR NR
FSH 4.60 (4.95,12.3) 6.80 (5.15,10.80) NR _ 7.30 (3.70, 7.65) 5.90 (4.80,7.10) NR _ NR NR NR
LH 8.50 (6.35,15.0) 7.00 (4.40,15.80) NR _ 8.40 (5.20,17.8) 10.80 (6.70, 17.95) NR _ NR NR NR
Progesterone 1.78 ± 0.78 2.27 ± 1.08 NR − 0.52 1.62 ± 0.99 1.60 ± 1 .12 NR 0.01 NR NR NR
Izadi25 Vit E Estradiol 85.45 ± 17.79 99.66 ± 23.01 14.21 ± 5.22 18.83 74.43 ± 17.95 71.09 ± 12.3 − 3.34 ± 14.4 0.21 − 17.55 ± 15.04 NR NR
Testosterone 1.21 ± 0.29 0.85 ± 0.21 − 0.36 ± 0.08 0.23 1.33 ± 0.35 1.47 ± 0.39 0.14 ± 0.11 − 0.37 0.5 ± 1.32 NR NR
HOMA-IR 2.8 ± 1.17 2.35 ± 1.01 − 0.45 ± 0.16 0.985 2.73 ± 2.12 2.55 ± 1.7 − 0.18 ± 1.74 0.09 0.27 ± 1.70 NR NR
FBS 85.5 ± 20.28 81.18 ± 10.28 − 4.32 ± 10 16.33 79.95 ± 9.25 80.57 ± 8.96 0.62 ± 8.14 − 0.06 4.94 ± 12.73 NR NR
Ins 13.72 ± 5.92 11.44 ± 4.57 12.79 ± 1.35 4.84 13.47 ± 9.73 12.47 ± 7.73 − 1 ± 8.01 0.11 − 13.79 ± 7.93 NR NR
Talari31 NO 49.6 ± 2.3 51.3 ± 4.7 1.7 ± 4.7 − 0.45 46.0 ± 6.0 46.1 ± 5.9 0.1 ± 2.6 − 0.01 − 1.60 ± 5.36 NR NR
CRP 2877.9 ± 2095.5 2487.3 ± 1673.1 − 390.6 ± 942.9 0.20 2646.7 ± 1492.3 2883.7 ± 1488.9 237.0 ± 754.3 − 0.15 627.60 ± 1205.86 NR NR
Panti A28 MDA 3.91 ± 0.05 2.89 ± 0.06 − 1.02 ± 0.05 18.46 3.99 ± 0.05 3.75 ± 1.61 − 0.24 ± 1.58 0.21 0.78 ± 1.58 NR NR
Ebrahimi23 Weight 72.4 ± 10.7 71.9 ± 10.7 − 0.5 ± 1.3 0.04 75.1 ± 18.2 74.8 ± 18.3 − 0.3 ± 1.1 0.01 0.20 ± 1.69 NR NR
BMI 28.0 ± 4.3 27. 8 ± 4.3 − 0.2 ± 0.5 0.04 28.5 ± 6.6 28.3 ± 6.7 − 0.2 ± 0.4 0.03 0.00 ± 0.64 NR NR
FBS 90.2 ± 10.2 87.0 ± 8.6 − 3.2 ± 7.2 0.33 94.8 ± 7.4 94.1 ± 9.1 − 0.7 ± 6.4 0.08 2.50 ± 9.61 NR NR
Ins 10.8 ± 4.8 9.8 ± 4.9 − 1.0 ± 3.5 0.20 9.8 ± 5.7 12.5 ± 6.6 2.7 ± 6.6 − 0.43 3.70 ± 7.46 NR NR
HOMA-IR 2.4 ± 1.2 2.2 ± 1.2 − 0.2 ± 0.8 0.16 2.3 ± 1.4 2.9 ± 1.6 0.6 ± 1.5 − 0.39 0.80 ± 1.69 NR NR
HOMA-B 39.7 ± 18.6 35.4 ± 19.1 − 4.3 ± 14.3 0.22 33.7 ± 21.4 44.1 ± 25.4 10.5 ± 24.5 − 0.44 14.80 ± 28.33 NR NR
Testosterone—total 1.2 ± 0.9 0.7 ± 0.6 − 0.5 ± 0.7 0.65 1.1 ± 0.6 1.0 ± 0.6 − 0.1 ± 0.5 0.16 0.40 ± 0.81 NR NR
Testosterone- free 4.5 ± 3.2 3.3 ± 2.4  − 1.2 ± 2.1 0.42 3.9 ± 2.7 3.7 ± 2.3  − 0.2 ± 1.7 0.07 1.00 ± 2.68 NR NR
DHEAS 4.5 ± 2.3 3.5 ± 2.0 − 1.0 ± 2.1 0.46 5.2 ± 1.9 4.3 ± 1.5 − 0.9 ± 1.1 0.52 0.10 ± 2.33 NR NR
SHBG 37.5 ± 15.9 44.1 ± 21.3 6.6 ± 14.5 − 0.35 39.1 ± 15.0 44.9 ± 16.9 5.8 ± 13.7 − 0.36 − 0.80 ± 19.93 NR NR
Rahmani35 Weight 74.1 ± 10.7 73.8 ± 10.8 − 0.3 ± 1.1 0.02 77.6 ± 18.2 77.4 ± 18.3 − 0.2 ± 1.1 0.01 0.10 ± 1.51 NR NR
BMI 28.4 ± 4.4 28.2 ± 4.6 − 0.1 ± 0.4 0.04 29.0 ± 6.5 29.0 ± 6.5 − 0.1 ± 0.4 0 0.00 ± 0.52 NR NR
TC 181.8 ± 28.0 161.5 ± 31.4 − 20.3 ± 16.6 0.68 166.4 ± 29.2 178.6 ± 29.9 12.2 ± 26.1 − 0.41 32.50 ± 30.89 NR NR
TG 122.7 ± 61.7 100.6 ± 54.0 − 22.1 ± 22.3 0.38 120.6 ± 59.4 128.3 ± 72.6 7.7 ± 23.6 − 0.11 29.80 ± 32.41 NR NR
LDL 111.1 ± 26.5 94.4 ± 29.8 − 16.7 ± 15.3 0.59 92.9 ± 25.5 104.8 ± 26.3 11.9 ± 26.1 − 0.45 28.60 ± 30.19 NR NR
HDL 46.2 ± 10.0 47.0 ± 9.5 0.8 ± 3.6 − 0.08 49.4 ± 8.1 48.1 ± 9.3 − 1.3 ± 6.3 0.14 − 2.10 ± 7.22 NR NR
MDA 2.9 ± 0.6 2.5 ± 0.6 − 0.3 ± 0.4 0.66 2.2 ± 0.5 2.2 ± 0.5 − 0.008 ± 0.6 0 0.29 ± 0.69 NR NR
GSH 525.3 ± 84.1 544.8 ± 81.3 19.5 ± 39.3 − 0.23 511.8 ± 69.1 555.2 ± 62.4 43.3 ± 66.3 − 0.65 23.80 ± 77.01 NR NR
TAC 860.5 ± 101.0 949.9 ± 119.3 89.4 ± 108.9 − 0.80 969.5 ± 85.3 975.4 ± 98.0 5.9 ± 116.2 − 0.06 − 83.50 ± 159.21 NR NR
FSH 7.3 ± 2.5 7.2 ± 2.5 − 0.1 ± 3.5 0.03 7.9 ± 2.8 8.1 ± 3.2 0.2 ± 3.0 − 0.06 0.30 ± 3.49 NR NR
LH 11.0 ± 8.0 10.5 ± 8.9 − 0.5 ± 10.1 0.05 13.5 ± 13.3 11.4 ± 7.7 − 2.1 ± 13.3 0.19 − 1.60 ± 16.67 NR NR
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aIn this study intervention group consists of groups B and C with Vitamin E treatment during follicular and luteal phase, respectively.

SD standard deviation, d Coheoh's d, LH luteinizing hormone, FSH follicular stimulating hormone, PRL prolactin, SHBG sex hormone binding globulin, HOMA-IR homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance, FBS fasting blood sugar, Ins insulin, TC total cholesterol, TG triglyceride, LDL low density lipoprotein, HDL high density lipoprotein, TAC total antioxidant capacity, CAT catalase, GSH glutathione, MDA malondialdehyde, WC weight circumference, HOMA-B homeostatic model assessment of beta cell function, DHEAS dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate.

Outcomes

Effect of vitamin E supplementation on sex hormones

Four studies evaluated testosterone levels pre and post Vitamin E co-supplementation (with magnesium, omega-3 FAs, and CoQ10). Table 2 shows all studies that showeda significant decrease in this regard in between the intervention group andthe control group. regarding the estradiol levels, two studies reported a similar increase in both intervention and control groups following vitamin E supplementation. In contrast, another studyreported no significant differences in estradiol levels following vitamin E + omega3 FAs supplementation. As shown on Table 2,only one study reported a small increase in estradiol levels with Vitamin E + CoQ10 supplemen group (d = -0.33) in comparison with the slight decrease that was observed in their control group (d = 0.21). Three studies evaluated Vitamin E's effect on LH levels; One study reported a medium decrease in the intervention group (d = 0.49) in comparison with the control group. This study involved simultaneous use of vitamin E, Omega-3 FA, folic acid, selenium, catechin, glycyrrhizin, and coenzyme Q10, Another study also reported a significant decrease in LH levels following vitamin E + CoQ10 supplementation. two studies reported respectively a considerable improvement in the levels of SHBG with Vitamin E + CoQ10 and vitamin E + magnesium supplementation . On the other hand, two other studies failed to show any significant change in SHBG levels following Vitamin E supplementation. Three studies that have evaluated FSH levelsand two of themshowed an increase in FSH levels with vitamin E supplementation. Meanwhile Only one study evaluated progesterone changes, and they have reported a significant increase (d = -0.52) following vitamin E + CoQ10 supplementation. Regarding DHEAS changes one study reported an increase which was not different from the increase observed in the control group. In view of the fact that gonadotropins are released in a pulsatile fashion and with various concentrations throughout the menstrual cycle and since all studies have not measured gonadotropin levels on the same point through the cycle with othersthecomparison between them is less feasible and accurate.

Effect of vitamin E supplementation on BMI, weight

Seven studies evaluated BMI changes, but only two studies have shown significant albeit small decrease in BMI following vitamin E + CoQ10 supplementation. a study conducted in 2019 also reported a small significant decrease in waist circumference (d = 0.3). Changes in weight were not significant in either one of the studies that evaluated this concept.

Effect of vitamin E supplementation on Insulin resistance parameters

It has been hypothesized that Vitamin E supplementation could affect insulin resistance parameters among patients with PCOS. All three studies have evaluated HOMA score and insulin level changes following dietary supplementation and have shown promising results (Table 2). one of these studies showed a significant small decrease in HOMA score and insulin level (d = 0.15 and 0.2 respectively) in their vitamin E + magnesium supplemented study group16. Meanwhile, another study reported a significant small decrease in HOMA-IR, HOMA-B and insulin levels (d = 0.16 and 0.22 and 0.2 respectively) following vitamin E + Omega 3 fatty acid supplementation. one of the studies reported that CoQ10 supplementation with and without vitamin E led to a significant sizeable decrease in HOMA scores and insulin levels (d = 1.27 and 0.64 respectively); however, it was also emphasized that vitamin E supplementation alone did not have a similar impact. Only one study out of these three studies,. reported a significant decrease in FBS levels.

Effect of vitamin E supplementation on lipid profile

Vitamin E may also help PCOS patients by improving their lipid profile. Three studies that evaluated cholesterol, LDL, and TG levels changes following Vit E supplementation showed promising results. As Table 2 shows, While one of the studies reports a small significant decrease in cholesterol, LDL, and TG levels (d = 0.19 and 0.09 and 0.27 respectively) in thevitamin E + magnesium supplemented study group, anotherstudy reports a significant moderate decrease in cholesterol, LDL, and TG levels following supplementation with vitamin E + CoQ10 (d = 0.4, 0.39, and 0.58 respectively). furthermore, another study claimed a moderate to huge decrease in cholesterol, LDL, and TG levels (d = 0.68 and 0.59 and 0.38) following vitamin E + Omega 3 fatty acid supplementation. Three studies evaluated HDL levels and only one reported beneficial effects for vitamin E + CoQ10 co-supplementation.

Effect of vitamin E supplementation on oxidative stress parameters

Some studies have suggested vitamin E supplementations may have beneficial effects on oxidation biomarkers . Vitamin E supplementation was reported to lead to a significant increase in TAC in three studies and their respective cohen’s d values is as the following: (d = -0.57), (d = -1.59) and (d = -0.8) (Table 2). One study also reported a significant increase in catalase and glutathione levels and a significant decrease in malondialdehyde levels following supplementation with vitamin E plus omega-e fatty acids (d = -1.44, -0.57, and 1.23 respectively). From the data in Table 2, the two studies suggested a significant decrease in CRP levels (d = 0.33 and 0.2 respectively) and an increase in NO levels (d = -1.3 and -0.45) after supplementation with vitamin E + magnesium and vitamin E + omega-3 fatty acids.. All three studies evaluating MDA levels reported a medium to a large decrease in values following vitamin E supplementation. Considering GSH levels, while one of the studies reported a significant small increase in the vitamin E + magnesium supplemented group (d = -0.19), another failed to show any significant change.

Meta-analyses

Vitamin E and anthropometric indices

Fixed effect meta-analysis of eight included studies reported the effect of vitamin E on BMI. A pooled mean difference wasn't statistically significant (SMD: -0.17, CI: 95%:-0.95, 0.61) without heterogeneity (I 2 = 0%), which means vitamin E didn't improve BMI. Three articles investigated the effect of vitamin E on WC. A pooled mean difference was found to be significant (SMD: 3.38, 95% CI: 0.05–6.71) without heterogeneity (I 2 = 0%). Six studies demonstrated the effects of Vitamin E on weight, and the pooled mean difference compared with the placebo group was -0.86 (95%CI:-3.32,1.60) without heterogeneity (I 2 = 0%) (Fig. 3).

Figure 3.

Figure 3

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(A) Vitamin E and BMI. (B) Vitamin E and WC. (C) Vitamin E and weight.

Vitamin E and lipid profile

Four studies compared the effects of vitamin E versus placebo on TG, TC, LDL, and HDL on both baseline levels and follow-up. Overall the decrease of TC was -9.11 (95% CI: -16.14,-2.09) with 32% I 2 heterogeneities. Vitamin E did not significantly improve the HDL levels (SMD: 0.79, 95% CI: 1.78, 3.36) with I 2 heterogeneities of 17%. The meta-analyses suggested that vitamin E intake resulted in a statistically significant improvement in TG (SMD: -13.84, 95% CI:-22.36,-5.32 with I 2 heterogeneities of 68%) and LDL (SMD:-7.21, 95% CI:-14.18,-0.23 with I 2 heterogeneities of 0%) (Fig. 4).

Figure 4.

Figure 4

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(A) Vitamin E and total cholesterol. (B). Vitamin E and LDL. (C) Vitamin E and HDL. (D) Vitamin E and triglyceride.

Vitamin E and hormonal indices

Five studies demonstrate the effects of Vitamin E intake on testosterone. A pooled mean difference wasn't significant for testosterone (SMD:-0.27, 95%CI: -0.58, 0.03) with heterogeneity (I 2 = 92%). In three studies, pooled mean difference for effects of vitamin E on estradiol compared with the placebo group was 19.56 (95% CI: 0.06, 39.06) with high heterogeneity (I 2 = 86%). Three Clinical trials reported the effect of vitamin E on SHBG. A pooled mean difference wasn't significant for SHBG (SMD: 2.81, 95%CI: -3.61, 9.24) with a heterogeneity of (I 2 = 32%) (Fig. 5).

Figure 5.

Figure 5

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(A) Vitamin E and estradiol. (B) Vitamin E and testosterone. (C) Vitamin E and SHBG.

Vitamin E and oxidation indices

Three clinical trials showed the effects of Vitamin E on GSH and TAC. Vitamin E didn’t significantly improve GSH 1.18(95% CI: -0.15, 2.50) with heterogeneity of (I 2 = 45%) and TAC (SMD: 18.83, 95% CI: -33.92, 2.50) with high heterogeneity (I 2 = 90%). Vitamin E didn’t significantly improve MDA either (SMD: -0.21, 95% CI:-0.75, 0.32) with high heterogeneity (I 2 = 92%) (Fig. 6).

Figure 6.

Figure 6

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(A). Vitamin E and GSH. (B) Vitamin E and TAC. (C) Vitamin E and MDA.

Vitamin E and other indices

Four clinical trials reported the effects of vitamin E on HOMA-IR and Insulin. A pooled mean difference was significant for HOMA-IR (SMD: -0.51, CI: 95%: -0.88, -0.13) and wasn't significant for insulin (SMD: -2.82, 95% CI: -6.75, 1.11) with heterogeneity of I 2 = 52%.

Four articles reported the effect of vitamin E on FBS. Meta-analyses showed that vitamin E intake didn't significantly improve FBS (SMD: -2.82, 95% CI: -6.75, 1.11) with a heterogeneity of (I 2 = 52%) (Fig. 7).

Figure 7.

Figure 7

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(A) Vitamin E and insulin. (B) Vitamin E and HOMA-IR. (C) Vitamin E and FBS.

Discussion

The purpose of the current systematic review was to investigate the effects of vitamin E on cardiometabolic risk factors, inflammatory and oxidative markers, and hormonal function in PCOS patients. To our knowledge, this study is the first systematic review to assess the supplementary regimen role in PCOS treatment.

Vitamin E supplementation decreases testosterone and LH levels whereas it increases progesterone and FSH levels. So far, Studies have been unable to demonstrate a significant change in estradiol and DHEAS levels following vitamin E co-supplementation. A study by A Ciji et al. reported the effects of vitamin E supplementation to reverse oxidant agents' impact on steroid hormones such as testosterone and estradiol. To the best of our knowledge, no other review study has evaluated the effects of supplementary vitamin E regimens on steroidal hormones. No study showed a significant change in weight following vitamin E supplementationexcept for one which showed a small significant decrease in BMI following vitamin E + CoQ10 supplementation 23. furthermore, Insulin resistance is known to play a critical role in many PCOS comorbidities. A study conducted by Cussons AJ et al. reported that insulin resistance and obesity could lead to ventricular and endothelial dysfunction and atherosclerosis. All three studies evaluating the impact of vitamin E supplementation on insulin resistance showed decreased HOMA score and insulin levels.

A study by Renjing Xu et al. reported the beneficial effect of vitamin E on glycemic control parameters because of its antioxidant effect. And as oxidative stress might increase hemoglobin glycation 34. and as the detrimental effects of high blood glucose levels on pancreatic islet cells have been linked to oxidative stress. Antioxidant supplementation could manage oxidative stress.

In regards to insulin resistance and dyslipidemia, Diamanti-Kandarakis suggested that insulin resistance can increase TG and LDL levels and decrease HDL levels in PCOS patients. Moreover, they proposed that hyperandrogenism among PCOS patients may also play a role in increasing HDL levels 33. Vitamin E co-supplementation decreased cholesterol, LDL, and TG levels in all three studies that evaluated the effects of vitamin E supplementary regimens on lipid profile in PCOS 2,16,35. Sepidarkish M et al.’s study showed that vitamin E and fatty acid supplementation could only decrease VLDL levels and do not change other lipid profiles' parameters 32. A review and meta-analysis on the effects of omega-3 and vitamin E co-supplementation in patients with metabolic syndrome showed that this supplementary regimen could reduce both LDL and TG levels in these patients 34.

There is a proposed mechanism for vitamin E's beneficial effects on lipid profile improvement, lipid peroxidation 36 and protection of LDL from oxidation. Niki E et al. have stated that Vitamin E's anti-oxidative feature is due to its beneficial effects on oxidative stress parameters [40].

The RCTs reviewed in this study showed a significant increase in TAC, NO, catalase, glutathione, GSH levels. they have also reported a substantial decrease in malondialdehyde, CRP, and MDA levels following supplementary regimen administration in PCOS patients. A study by Sepidarkish et al. showed vitamin E, and omega-3 fatty acid co-supplementation to have increased NO levels and TAC while decreasing MDA levels 32.

Strengths and limitations

This study is the first systematic review assessing the role of vitamin E supplementation in PCOS. In this systematic review, eligible studies couldn't control confusing residual variables. All of the Studies were adjusted for age and PCOS, but some of the reviews didn't consider well-defined risk factors for changing hormone levels.

This systematic review was unable to show inherent differences in vitamin E supplementation effects on PCOS between different populations and races. More studies evaluating the impact of supplementary regimens in various races and societies are needed. Moreover, due to the limited number of available studies ,we could not compare supplemental regimens' effects between different age groups. The reviewed studies have not pointed out as to whether their study populations had vitamin E deficiencies or not. Some studies have proposed that some of the beneficial effects of vitamin E supplementation might be limited to vitamin-E deficient people.

Another limitation is that due to the focus of PROSPERO (International prospective register of systematic reviews) on COVID-19 registrations during the 2020 pandemic, The PROSPERO team has not checked the eligibility of our review.

Conclusions and implications for future research

We found that supplementary regimens containing vitamin E can positively affect the patients who are diagnosed with PCOS in regards to metabolic and hormonal parameters. It can improve their hormonal profile by decreasing testosterone and LH levels and by increasing progesterone and FSH levels. It can also reduce insulin resistance, cholesterol, LDL, and TG levels among these patients, it can also improve their cardio-metabolic profile. We also found that vitamin E supplementation can decrease oxidative stress in PCOS.

More studies are needed in order to evaluate the effects of vitamin E supplementation in different ethnicities and age groups. Other studies thatassess the effects of vitamin E supplementation in both vitamin E sufficient and deficient populations will add to current knowledge about the role of vitamin E supplementary regimens in PCOS.

Supplementary Information

Supplementary Information. (119.9KB, docx)

Acknowledgements

Implementation of this study was sponsored by the Tehran University of Medical Sciences (Endocrinology and Metabolism Research Center).

Author contributions

M.P., M.Q., and M.E. participated in the study design, drafting of the paper, and had significant role in development of the selection criteria and data extraction criteria. G.H.T., Y.S.H., F.P., Z.H.S.H., and E.M.V. contributed to the development of the selection criteria, data extraction criteria, and drafting of the paper. N.R. and F.S.H. developed the search strategy and performed statistical analysis. B.L. participated in critical review. M.S.E.S.H. and E.M.V. assessed the quality of studies using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool. All authors read, provided feedback, and approved the final paper.

Competing interests

The authors declare no competing interests.

Footnotes

Publisher's note

Springer Nature remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.

These authors contributed equally: Moloud Payab and Mahbube Ebrahimpur.

Contributor Information

Moloud Payab, Email: moloudpayab@gmail.com.

Mahbube Ebrahimpur, Email: m-ebrahimpur@tums.ac.ir.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1038/s41598-022-09082-3.

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