The Role of “Good” Nutrition and Integrative Approaches as Preventive Strategies to Achieve Sustainable Health for All
The EGOI-PCOS Roundtable, held at the World Health Organization (WHO) on November 22nd, 2024, brought together global experts to discuss the pivotal role of nutrition and integrative health approaches in promoting sustainable health. The event emphasized the importance of addressing nutritional imbalances and deficiencies—particularly those associated with inositol depletion—to prevent metabolic alterations and other health complications, especially in gynecology and endocrinology.
Participants explored how unhealthy lifestyles, combined with economic and social disparities, exacerbate these issues, particularly for women seeking pregnancy. The event underscored the necessity of global educational programs and awareness campaigns to mitigate these risks and promote better health outcomes worldwide.
Key Sessions and Highlights:
1. Education and Access: Promoting access to nutritious food and supporting integrative health strategies is important.
2. Nutrition and Pregnancy: Discussions on metabolic adaptation in both physiological and complicated pregnancies, focusing on obesity and gestational diabetes.
3. Global Infertility: Exploring sustainable approaches to address infertility across diverse socioeconomic contexts.
Expert Contributions:
Gabriella Sozanski, Board Member and Coordinator, Alliance for Health Promotion
“Nutrition is a core element of development and health promotion.” Sozanski’s opening speech set the stage by emphasizing that proper nutrition is essential for fostering health and sustainable development globally.
Rosario D’Anna, Gynecologist and EGOI-PCOS Member
D’Anna highlighted the benefits of inositol in managing gestational diabetes (GDM). Citing a recent review of over 300 patients, he explained how inositol reduces the need for insulin, improving glycemic control.
Arturo Bevilacqua, Biologist and EGOI-PCOS Member
Bevilacqua stressed the critical role of basic research in addressing global health challenges such as nutrition, environmental plastics, and education. He called on governments to allocate a portion of their gross domestic product to fund essential research.
Anna Maria Fulghesu, Gynecologist and EGOI-PCOS Member
Fulghesu discussed how good nutrition reduces the risks of insulin resistance and obesity. She highlighted its importance during pregnancy for the health of both the newborn and early infancy.
Mario Montanino Oliva, Gynecologist and EGOI-PCOS Member
Montanino Oliva addressed global disparities in infertility care. While Italy offers full reimbursement for treatment drugs, he emphasized the barriers faced in low-income nations and advocated for equitable access to fertility care worldwide.
Lali Pkhaladze, Gynecologist and EGOI-PCOS Member
Pkhaladze emphasized the critical role of proper nutrition during pregnancy, noting how deficiencies in micronutrients like folate, iodine, calcium, and vitamin A can cause severe complications for both mother and baby. She stressed the importance of ensuring adequate nutrition for healthy pregnancies and early development.
Artur Wdowiak, Gynecologist and EGOI-PCOS Member
Wdowiak discussed the alarming decline in human fertility, citing the accelerated decrease in semen density—from 1.16% per year in the 1970s to 2.64% per year today. He highlighted environmental factors such as microplastics, bisphenol, and phthalates as potential contributors.
Fabio Facchinetti, Gynecologist and EGOI-PCOS Member
Facchinetti underscored the importance of nutrition, explaining that food should fuel our bodies, support physical activity, and sustain our overall health. He warned against Western dietary habits that often lead to negative health outcomes.
Maurizio Nordio, Endocrinologist and EGOI-PCOS Member
Nordio focused on gestational diabetes, describing it as a condition arising from insulin resistance. He emphasized the importance of early identification and management to prevent long-term health risks for mothers and their children.
Moving Forward:
The EGOI-PCOS / WHO Roundtable showcased the collaborative efforts of global experts to tackle pressing challenges in women’s health. EGOI-PCOS remains committed to promoting integrative approaches, education, and awareness campaigns to ensure a healthier future for all.
