Survey study, 1983
Does the nutritional supplement Optivite reduce premenstrual tension symptoms?
In this small study of 31 women, Optivite reduced PMS symptoms significantly. However, without a control group, we cannot be sure the improvement was from the supplement rather than placebo effect or natural changes.
What they did
Gave 31 patients a nutritional supplement called Optivite at daily doses of 3-12 tablets for one to six menstrual cycles and measured symptoms using a menstrual symptom questionnaire.
What they found
Total symptom scores decreased significantly in all patients after taking Optivite. Before treatment, mean scores were 31.5 in the week before the period. After treatment, this dropped to 10.3. Best responses were seen in patients taking 6-12 tablets per day for three or more cycles.
What it means for you
The supplement appeared to help, but this was a very small study with no control group. We cannot tell if improvement came from the supplement, placebo effect, or natural changes. The authors note larger, well-controlled studies are needed.
31
Patients studied
31.5 to 10.3
Mean symptom score reduction
6-12
Tablets per day for best response
About the study
- Original title
- Effect of a nutritional supplement, optivite, on symptoms of premenstrual tension
- Authors
- Goei GS, Abraham GE
- Journal
- The Journal of reproductive medicine
- Year
- 1983
- Study design
- Survey study
- Participants
- 31
- What was tested
- Optivite nutritional supplement at 3-12 tablets daily for 1-6 menstrual cycles
- Read the paper
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/6685186/
Topics
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