Is low calcium linked to worse PMS symptoms?

Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) is a multifactorial condition that occurs during the luteal phase and affects the daily activities of women of reproductive age. Calcium plays a role in PMS symptom severity, but its intake among adolescents, particularly boarding school students with limited dietary diversity, is often below the recommended RDA. This study aimed to identify the relationship between calcium intake and PMS symptom severity among female students at a boarding high school in Bogor during the 2025/2026 academic year. A quantitative observational study with a cross-sectional design was conducted among 85 respondents selected using the Proportionate Random Sampling method. Calcium intake data were collected using 3×24-Hour Estimated Food Records, and PMS symptom severity was measured using the Shortened Premenstrual Assessment Form (SPAF). The average calcium intake of respondents was 121±63 mg/day, and the average PMS score was 26±7.7. Spearman correlation analysis showed a significant relationship (p=0.04), negative correlation (r=–0.21), and weak correlation strength (CI: -0.413 to 0.005) between low calcium intake and increased PMS symptom severity. In conclusion, these findings support the association between low calcium intake and increased PMS symptom severity, highlighting the importance of adequate calcium intake among adolescents, especially those living in boarding school environments.

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