A large, healthy breakfast can increase the fertility in women who suffer from menstrual irregularities, according to a study.

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The research was conducted with women who suffered from polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Women were given an 1800 calorie per day diet to follow. One group had their largest meal – which contained 980 calories – for breakfast. The other group had their largest meal at dinner.

The 60 women analysed were aged 25 to 39 and all had a BMI (body mass index) of less than 23 and suffered from PCOS.

The researchers found that if women ate half their daily calorie intake first thing, it helped to steady their hormones and boosted ovulation. Their glucose levels and insulin resistance, the problems created by PCOS, decreased by 8%. The group that ate the big dinner saw no change.

The findings were published in the journal Clinical Science. Professor Ofen Froy, one of the scientists who conducted the study, said: “The research clearly demonstrates that indeed the amount of calories we consume daily is very important, but the timing as to when we consume them is even more important.”

Around 10% of women suffer from PCOS.

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