Systematic bibliometric review maps nutritional strategy research in polycystic ovary syndrome

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a complex endocrine disorder with significant metabolic and reproductive effects. Although various nutritional strategies have been studied, an overarching review of nutrition-focused research in PCOS remains limited. This study aimed to present a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of this research area. A bibliometric analysis was conducted using publications from the Web of Science and Scopus databases from 2004 to 2024. Two independent reviewers screened the studies. Bibliometric indicators and network visualizations were analyzed via Microsoft Excel, the bibliometrix package R, VOSviewer, and CiteSpace. A total of 1,248 publications met the inclusion criteria. The United States, Iran, and China were the top contributing countries. Notable authors with strong collaborative networks included Teede HJ, Escobar-Morreale HF, and Moran LJ. Keyword co-occurrence analysis identified four primary thematic clusters: lifestyle modifications, hormonal/fertility-related issues, metabolic disturbances, and dietary interventions. Burst analysis and timeline mapping have led to a growing research focus on emerging topics such as “gut microbiota,” “ketogenic diet,” and “oxidative stress.” This bibliometric analysis provides a comprehensive overview of two decades of nutrition-related PCOS research. These highlights increasing scientific interest in dietary strategies and highlights key emerging themes, such as the gut microbiota, ketogenic diets, and oxidative stress.