--- title: Does taking alpha-lactalbumin supplement for three months help with period-related symptoms? description: No significant overall difference compared to placebo. Some exploratory analyses found minor improvements in weight gain and lowered motor coordination, and p url: https://niyora.com/research/papers/effect-of-long-term-intake-of-i-i-lactalbumin-on-menstruation-related-symptoms-2026/ --- - [Niyora](https://niyora.com/) - [Research](https://niyora.com/research/) - [Library](https://niyora.com/research/library/) - Does taking alpha-lactalbumin supplement for three months help with period-related symptoms? Randomised trial, 2026 # Does taking alpha-lactalbumin supplement for three months help with period-related symptoms? No significant overall difference compared to placebo. Some exploratory analyses found minor improvements in weight gain and lowered motor coordination, and possibly in quality of life. These exploratory findings need confirmation. Strong study design 140 healthy women aged 20-39 years in Japan ## What they did A double-blind randomized trial with 140 healthy Japanese women aged 20-39 years. They took either 900 mg of alpha-lactalbumin or placebo daily for three menstrual cycles. Symptoms were measured each cycle. ## What they found The main outcome, the Menstrual Distress Questionnaire, showed no significant overall differences between groups. In exploratory analyses, alpha-lactalbumin did reduce two specific symptoms: weight gain and lowered motor coordination. Secondary measures suggested potential benefits in work and social quality of life. ## What it means for you The supplement did not improve most period symptoms overall in a rigorous trial. The minor benefits found in exploratory analyses were not the main findings and need confirmation in new studies, which limits confidence. 140 women in the study 900 mg/day alpha-lactalbumin dose 3 menstrual cycles ## About the study Original title Effect of long-term intake of α-lactalbumin on menstruation-related symptoms and quality of life in healthy Japanese women: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study Authors Ito K, Yamazaki K, Natori A Journal Frontiers in nutrition Year 2026 Study design Randomised trial Participants 140 What was tested Alpha-lactalbumin 900 mg daily or placebo for three menstrual cycles Open access Yes Read the paper [doi.org/10.3389/fnut.2026.1892605](https://doi.org/10.3389/fnut.2026.1892605) Original abstract Background/objectives: Coping strategies for menstruation-related symptoms are required to support women's health-related quality of life (QoL) and the continued social advancement of women. Previous studies have reported that short-term intake of α -lactalbumin (aLA) alleviates physical symptoms during menstruation. In this study, we investigated the effects of long-term intake of aLA on menstruation-related symptoms and QoL in healthy Japanese women. Methods: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study was conducted. Participants were 140 healthy women aged 20-39 years and were randomly assigned to receive aLA (900 mg/day) or placebo for three menstrual cycles. Premenstrual and intramenstrual symptoms were assessed at each cycle. The primary outcome was subjective symptoms on the Menstrual Distress Questionnaire (MDQ), and secondary outcomes were the 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36), subjective symptoms on the Visual Analog Scale, and urinary prostaglandins. Results: The primary outcome, the MDQ, showed no significant differences in the total score or the six factor scores between groups, either premenstrually or during menstruation. In exploratory analyses, aLA intake significantly alleviated the premenstrual MDQ sub-scores "Weight gain" and "Lowered motor coordination" compared with placebo ( p p < 0.05). No significant group differences were observed for other items. Conclusion: In this trial, long-term aLA supplementation did not improve overall menstruation-related symptoms as assessed by the primary outcome. However, secondary outcomes indicated potential benefits in role-related and social aspects of premenstrual QoL. These findings are exploratory, requiring further studies for confirmation. Clinical trial registration: https://center6.umin.ac.jp/cgi-open-bin/ctr_e/ctr_view.cgi?recptno=R000063507, UMIN-CTR UMIN000055576. Reproduced under CC-BY. ## Topics [Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pms/)[Quality of life and daily functioning](https://niyora.com/research/topics/life-area-quality-of-life/) Research tells you what helps on average. Niyora helps on the day it hits. Calm down, see it another way, and decide what to say, with a PMS and PMDD app built by a doctor. ## Related studies Cohort study, 2026 Is PMS becoming more common and more disabling worldwide? Randomised trial, 2026 Does yoga or Pilates help reduce PMS symptoms? Randomised trial, 2026 Does Kundalini Reiki help reduce PMS symptoms and improve quality of life? Systematic review, 2026 Do mindfulness and relaxation techniques help with PMS symptoms? Randomised trial, 2026 Does a warm footbath help PMS symptoms and sleep quality? Randomised trial, 2026 Does mindfulness training reduce PMS symptoms and fear about childbirth? Ask AI about this page Copy prompt ChatGPT ↗ Claude ↗ Perplexity ↗ Google AI Mode ↗ Grok ↗