Examining the Relationship Between Dietary Glycemic Load (GL), Glycemic Index (GI), and the Odds of Diminished Ovarian Reserve: A Case-Control Study

Abstract

A decline in both the number and quality of oocytes within the ovaries indicates a reduced ovarian reserve. As lifestyle factors, particularly dietary habits, can influence ovarian reserve, this study aimed to assess the relationship between dietary glycemic load (GL) and glycemic index (GI) and odds of diminished ovarian reserve (DOR). The current case-control study includes 370 women, consisting of 120 women who had DOR and 250 control participants. The two groups were matched based on age and body mass index (BMI). The dietary information was collected using a semiquantitative food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) that consisted of 80 items. A multivariable logistic regression approach was used to assess the association of dietary GI and GL scores with the odds of DOR, adjusting for potential confounders. The initial result revealed that there was no significant association between the odds of DOR and the dietary GI and GL when assessed through both crude and adjusted analyses, which accounted for factors such as physical activity and energy intake. However, when adjustments were made for factors such as physical activity, energy intake, fat mass (FM), and BMI, it was observed that women who were in the highest quartile of the dietary GL and GI scores had a 13 (OR 1.13; 95 CI 1.07-2.68, p = 0.042) and 19 (OR 1.19; 95 CI 0.59-1.87, p = 0.038) higher odds of DOR, respectively. Higher dietary GL and GI may be associated with increased odds of DOR. However, it is essential to conduct further studies with prospective design to establish this relationship and explore potential underlying mechanisms.