Low-Calorie Ketogenic Diet: Potential Application in the Treatment of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome in Adolescents.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrine disorder in women of reproductive age. Hyperandrogenism, hyperinsulinism and insulin resistance (IR) are the main drivers of clinical, metabolic and reproductive phenotypes of PCOS. In adolescence, the cornerstones of PCOS treatment are lifestyle and dietary interventions. In particular, the quality and quantity of carbohydrates introduced with the diet play a crucial role in the benefits of diet on PCOS. Recently, the ketogenic diet (KD) has attracted significant interest for the treatment of IR and for the control of carbohydrate metabolism, which has proven to be beneficial for several dysmetabolic conditions, including PCOS. The goal of the KD is to induce a fasting-like metabolism with production of chetonic bodies. Ketosis is a good regulator of calorie intake and mimics the starvation effect in the body, leading to body weight control and consequent metabolism. Additionally, during ketogenesis, insulin receptor sensitivity is also promoted. We proposed a broad overview of the available literature regarding KD indications and considered its metabolic benefits useful for improving PCOS management. The reported data support that a low-calorie ketogenic diet (LCKD) plays a positive role as a regulator of control weight, IR, glucose and lipid homeostasis and hormonal profile. Unfortunately, the evidence concerning the benefits of the very LCKD in adolescents with PCOS and excessive body weight is still numerically scarce. Further studies are necessary to understand whether these effects are due to weight loss or to the nutritional characteristics of this diet. Considering the long-term consequences of PCOS, it is crucial to detect the prospects of nutritional interventions to protect fertility, starting in adolescence.

A new methodology to structure a nutrition educational course: the results of a short-term educational-intervention pilot study.

The incidence of malnutrition in developing countries, such as Kenya, is still high. The most recent international reports outline an increase in the prevalence of overnutrition in Sub-Saharan Africa, where undernutrition and hidden hunger conditions still represent an emergency. Among the factors influencing malnutrition conditions connected to dietary intake and eating habits, evidence shows the importance of food knowledge. Traditionally, in developing countries, women represent the pillar of the food system and impact their children's nutrition: food-based, women-centred strategies are recommended to address nutrient gaps, educate and empower women, and counteract malnutrition. The short communication presents the results of the ACTION project: an educational-intervention pilot study targeting childbearing-age women living in rural areas of Southern Kenya. To evaluate the feasibility of the educational course built, the authors administered to the women a food knowledge questionnaire, before and after the intervention. Study results describe an increase in women's food knowledge after attending the food education course. This encourages to increase education courses which can represent a starting point in improving food habits with a positive effect on the health condition in developing counties too.