The Effect of a Pulse‐Based Diet on Body Composition and Ovarian Morphology in Women With Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Background The best diet for polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) has yet to be established, with conflicting scientific evidence. This study aimed to assess the influence of a pulse‐based diet on body weight and composition as well as ovarian morphology in women with PCOS compared to a healthy control diet. Method A parallel, single‐blind, randomized controlled trial was conducted for 12 weeks. Eighty‐two PCOS patients aged 18–35 years were included in this trial. Participants were conveniently recruited according to the Rotterdam criteria. Participants were randomly assigned to one of the two isocaloric dietary intervention groups: the pulse‐based (PULSE) diet or a control group. Anthropometric measurements and body composition were assessed using standardized procedures. Body composition was evaluated using the InBody. Ovarian morphology was assessed by a specialized gynecologist as defined according to the 2003 joint European Society for Human Reproduction and Embryology/American Society for Reproductive Medicine. Results End point body weight showed a trend toward statistical significance (PULSE = 67.92 ± 15.20 kg and control = 73.64 ± 15.96 kg, p value = 0.059). The diameter of the largest follicle was significantly lower in the PULSE group compared to the control group following the dietary intervention (7.76 ± 3.84 mm versus 10.52 ± 4.23 mm, respectively, p value = 0.009). Conclusion The results of this study indicate the usefulness of a pulse‐rich diet in managing PCOS. Incorporating pulses into the daily diet may hold promise as an effective dietary intervention for the management of PCOS‐associated complications. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT05428566