Metabolic effects of an essential amino acid supplement in adolescents with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and obesity
Authors' conclusion
Similar to studies in older adults, short-term EAA supplementation in adolescents resulted in significantly lower liver fat, AST, and plasma lipids and thus may prove to be an effective treatment in this population. Additional research is needed to elucidate the mechanisms for these effects.
Study context
- Population
- Adolescents with PCOS and obesity (BMI 37.3 ± 6.5 kg/m², age 15.6 ± 1.3 years)crossover
- Participants
- 21 adolescents
- Comparison
- Essential amino acid (EAA) supplementation vs placebo
- Primary endpoint
- Hepatic steatosis (liver fat)
- Follow-up
- After each 28-day phase
Methodological detailsdouble-blind, crossover, placebo-controlled
- Double-blind
- Crossover
- Placebo-controlled
Primary result
Hepatic steatosis · 28 days
Absolute difference
−0.8 %
P = 0.013
As reported in the abstract
Further findings
| Outcome | P value |
|---|---|
| Body weightNo difference | P = 0.673 |
Plasma AST
- Plasma AST lower
- −8%, p = 0.004
Plasma triacylglycerol (TG)
- Plasma TG reduced
- −9%, p = 0.015
VLDL-TG
- VLDL-TG reduced
- −21%, p = 0.031
VLDL-TG palmitate from lipogenesis and insulin sensitivity
- VLDL-TG palmitate derived from lipogenesis and insulin sensitivity not different between phases
- P > 0.400 for both
Reported dietary intake during EAA phase
- Fewer carbohydrates consumed during EAA phase
- P = 0.038
- Fewer total sugars consumed during EAA phase
- P = 0.046
Original publication
Metabolic effects of an essential amino acid supplement in adolescents with PCOS and obesity. Obesity (Silver Spring). Published 4 March 2024. doi:10.
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