Randomised trial, 1999
Does calcium reduce PMS symptoms?
Yes, this large study of 497 women found that calcium supplementation reduced PMS symptoms during the luteal and menstrual phases. This is strong evidence from a well-designed trial.
What they did
A randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial at 12 US health centers. 497 healthy women aged 18-45 years (mean age 33, 80% white) with regular menstrual cycles and confirmed moderate or severe PMS symptoms were given calcium carbonate or placebo.
What they found
Calcium supplementation reduced PMS symptoms during the luteal and menstrual phases of the menstrual cycle. Women needed mood swings, depression, tension, anxiety, anger, or crying spells to qualify.
What it means for you
Calcium appears to be an effective supplement for PMS. The study was large and well-designed with 497 women. It was done in the United States primarily in white women, so results may vary in other populations.
497
Women studied
18-45 years
Age range of participants
mean 33 yrs
Mean age of participants
About the study
- Original title
- Calcium reduced PMS symptoms during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle
- Authors
- Lynne S. Giddings
- Journal
- Evidence-Based Nursing
- Year
- 1999
- Study design
- Randomised trial
- What was tested
- Calcium carbonate vs placebo
- Open access
- Yes
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.1136/ebn.2.2.43
Topics
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