Greek vs Turkish Yoghurt for PCOS: No Meaningful Difference
There is no evidence supporting superiority of either Greek or Turkish yoghurt for PCOS management, and current international guidelines do not recommend any specific food type over another for this condition. 1, 2
The Evidence-Based Approach to Dairy in PCOS
What the Guidelines Actually Say
The most recent international evidence-based guidelines for PCOS management emphasize that no specific diet type or individual food has proven superior for managing this condition. 1, 2 The focus should be on:
- Overall dietary pattern rather than specific foods like Greek versus Turkish yoghurt 1
- Individual preferences and cultural needs when selecting foods 1, 2
- Energy deficit (30% or 500-750 kcal/day reduction) if weight loss is needed, regardless of which foods are chosen 2
What We Know About Dairy Intake in PCOS
A comprehensive 2022 systematic review examining dietary patterns in nearly 40,000 women found that dairy intake (including yogurt, cheese, milk, and fermented products) showed no consistent pattern of difference between women with and without PCOS. 1 Some studies showed lower dairy intake in PCOS patients, while five studies showed comparable intakes, making any specific dairy recommendations impossible to justify. 1
The Real Nutritional Priorities for PCOS
Focus on What Actually Matters
Rather than debating Greek versus Turkish yoghurt, the evidence directs us toward these proven strategies:
- Reduce saturated fat intake - diets low in saturated fat improve insulin sensitivity 3
- Increase dietary fiber from low-glycemic-index carbohydrate sources 3
- Ensure adequate micronutrients - women with PCOS are commonly deficient in calcium (average intake only 634 mg), vitamin D (3.4 μg), folate (70% at risk of deficiency), and magnesium (250.1 mg) 4
- Achieve balanced macronutrient distribution - approximately 40% carbohydrates, 30% fats, 30% protein 5
Why Yoghurt Type Doesn't Matter
Both Greek and Turkish yoghurt provide similar nutritional benefits:
- High-quality protein
- Calcium (addressing a common deficiency in PCOS) 4
- Probiotics (which may benefit PCOS) 6
The key is incorporating whichever yoghurt the patient prefers into an overall balanced dietary pattern that reduces energy intake if weight loss is needed. 1, 2
Critical Pitfall to Avoid
Do not get distracted by minor food choices when the evidence clearly shows that overall dietary pattern and energy balance are what drive outcomes in PCOS. 1 Women with PCOS already face significant dietary confusion from consumer-targeted misinformation promoting specific foods or macronutrient compositions without evidence. 1
The recommendation is to choose whichever yoghurt fits the patient's cultural preferences and taste, ensuring it fits within a balanced, energy-appropriate diet that emphasizes whole foods, adequate fiber, and reduced saturated fat. 1, 2, 3