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Randomised trial, 2013

Does a supplement with krill oil, vitamins, and plant ingredients help PMS symptoms?

Yes. All 29 women reported significant improvement in 10 PMS symptoms after 3 months. However, this open-label study had no control group, so improvement might partly be due to placebo effect.

Early or limited evidence Women with PMS

What they did

29 women with PMS took a daily supplement containing thiamine, riboflavin, pyridoxine, vitamin D, soy isoflavones, rosemary extract, and krill oil for 3 months. This was an open-label pilot study, meaning women knew they were taking the supplement and there was no control group.

What they found

All 29 women reported statistically significant improvement in anxiety, bloating, mood swings, breast tenderness, skin outbreaks, food cravings, fatigue, forgetfulness, insomnia, and headache.

What it means for you

This supplement combination may help multiple PMS symptoms, but since this is an open-label study with no placebo control, the improvement might be partly due to placebo effect. A larger placebo-controlled study is planned.

29

women in study

3 months

duration of treatment

About the study

Original title
An open-label pilot study to assess the effectiveness of krill oil with added vitamins and phytonutrients in the relief of symptoms of PMS
Authors
Michael Wakeman
Journal
Nutrition and Dietary Supplements
Year
2013
Study design
Randomised trial
Participants
29
What was tested
Supplement with krill oil, vitamins B1, B2, B6, D, soy isoflavones, and rosemary extract
Open access
Yes

Topics