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Case-control study, 2010

Does vitamin D intake reduce the risk of PMS?

Higher vitamin D intake from food may be linked to lower PMS risk, though the evidence is weak and larger studies are needed to confirm.

Early or limited evidence 186 college-aged women aged 18-30, including 44 with PMS and 46 without PMS

What they did

Cross-sectional study (2006-2008) of 186 college-aged women (mean age 21.6 years). Participants completed a food frequency questionnaire and symptom questionnaire, and provided a blood sample during the late luteal phase. Researchers compared 44 with PMS to 46 without PMS.

What they found

In all participants, possible link between higher vitamin D intake and lower symptom severity (mean intakes 253, 214, and 194 IU/day for none/minimal, mild, and moderate/severe symptoms, P=0.18, not significant). In case-control analysis, women with vitamin D intake ≥100 IU/day had an odds ratio of 0.31 compared to <100 IU/day (95% CI 0.10-0.98). Blood vitamin D levels measured during late luteal phase were not associated with PMS.

What it means for you

Small pilot study with limited power. Blood vitamin D level at one time point was not useful for predicting PMS. Larger studies are needed to confirm the possible protective effect of dietary vitamin D.

253-194

mean vitamin D in none/minimal vs moderate/severe symptoms

0.31

odds ratio for PMS with ≥100 vs <100 IU/day vitamin D

186

total women studied

About the study

Original title
Dietary vitamin D intake, 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 levels and premenstrual syndrome in a college-aged population
Authors
Bertone-Johnson ER, Chocano-Bedoya PO, Zagarins SE et al.
Journal
The Journal of steroid biochemistry and molecular biology
Year
2010
Study design
Case-control study
Participants
186
What was tested
Vitamin D intake

Topics