Systematic review, 2019
Do calcium and vitamin D help treat PMS?
Yes, low levels of calcium and vitamin D during part of the menstrual cycle may cause or worsen PMS, and supplementing them appears to help eliminate or reduce symptoms.
What they did
Searched 6 databases for studies on calcium, vitamin D, and PMS including clinical trials, case-control studies, and observational studies. Reviewed 28 high-quality papers on this topic.
What they found
Low serum levels of calcium and vitamin D during the luteal phase (second half of the menstrual cycle) were found to cause or worsen PMS. Supplementing these nutrients or eating more of them restored serum levels and eliminated or reduced PMS symptoms.
What it means for you
Calcium and vitamin D supplements are inexpensive, safe, and accessible treatments for PMS. The review recommends them as a good option. However, specific numbers on how much symptoms improve with treatment are not provided.
28
high-quality papers reviewed
About the study
- Original title
- A systematic review of the role of vitamin D and calcium in premenstrual syndrome
- Authors
- Abdi F, Ozgoli G, Rahnemaie FS
- Journal
- Obstetrics & gynecology science
- Year
- 2019
- Study design
- Systematic review
- What was tested
- Calcium and vitamin D supplements or dietary sources
- Open access
- Yes
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.5468/ogs.2019.62.2.73
Topics
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