---
title: Is higher vitamin C linked to premenstrual symptoms? | Niyora
description: Higher vitamin C intake was linked to appetite changes. Suboptimal blood vitamin C levels were linked to appetite changes and bloating, but adequate levels we
url: https://niyora.com/research/papers/associations-between-dietary-vitamin-c-serum-ascorbic-acid-and-gstt1-genotype-2023/
---

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- Is higher vitamin C linked to premenstrual symptoms?

Survey study, 2023

# Is higher vitamin C linked to premenstrual symptoms?

Higher vitamin C intake was linked to appetite changes. Suboptimal blood vitamin C levels were linked to appetite changes and bloating, but adequate levels were not clearly linked to either symptom.

 Early or limited evidence

555 women aged 20-29 from Toronto

## What they did

Cross-sectional study of 555 women aged 20-29 in Toronto. They measured dietary vitamin C intake, tested blood vitamin C levels, checked a gene called GSTT1, and asked about 15 premenstrual symptoms.

## What they found

Women with higher vitamin C intake were more likely to report appetite changes. Women with low-normal blood vitamin C levels were more likely to report appetite changes and bloating. Women with adequate blood vitamin C levels showed no clear link to appetite changes or bloating. A particular version of the GSTT1 gene was linked to increased risk of bloating and swelling.

## What it means for you

Higher vitamin C intake is linked to some premenstrual symptoms, though the pattern is unclear. This is a cross-sectional study, so we cannot say vitamin C causes these symptoms; they might be connected another way or due to other factors. The findings about genetics suggest something real might be happening.

555

women studied

75 mg/d

recommended daily vitamin C

20-29 years

age range

## About the study

Original title Associations Between Dietary Vitamin C, Serum Ascorbic Acid, and GSTT1 Genotype and Premenstrual Symptoms Authors Zeitoun T, El-Sohemy A Journal Journal of the American Nutrition Association Year 2023 Study design Survey study Participants 555 Open access Yes Read the paper [doi.org/10.1080/27697061.2023.2186963](https://doi.org/10.1080/27697061.2023.2186963)

## Topics

[Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pms/)[Appetite and food cravings](https://niyora.com/research/topics/symptom-food-cravings/)[Bloating, breast tenderness and physical symptoms](https://niyora.com/research/topics/symptom-physical-symptoms/)[Diet and nutrition](https://niyora.com/research/topics/treatment-diet/)[Quality of life and daily functioning](https://niyora.com/research/topics/life-area-quality-of-life/)

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