--- title: Does a yeast-based dietary supplement reduce PMS symptoms? | Niyora description: Yes. By 6 months, the yeast-based supplement (Sillix Donna) reduced symptom scores to 18% of baseline levels, much more than placebo which reduced them to 73% url: https://niyora.com/research/papers/effects-of-a-yeast-based-dietary-supplementation-on-premenstrual-syndrome-a-1997/ --- - [Niyora](https://niyora.com/) - [Research](https://niyora.com/research/) - [Library](https://niyora.com/research/library/) - Does a yeast-based dietary supplement reduce PMS symptoms? Randomised trial, 1997 # Does a yeast-based dietary supplement reduce PMS symptoms? Yes. By 6 months, the yeast-based supplement (Sillix Donna) reduced symptom scores to 18% of baseline levels, much more than placebo which reduced them to 73%. Moderate study design 40 women with mild to moderate premenstrual syndrome ## What they did A double-blind trial gave 40 women with mild to moderate PMS either a yeast-based supplement (Sillix Donna) or placebo for 6 months. Symptoms were measured at baseline and at 2, 4, and 6 months. ## What they found Both active treatment and placebo reduced symptoms by month 2. By month 6, the active supplement reduced symptom scores to 18% of baseline values, while placebo reduced them to 73% of baseline. No side effects were observed. ## What it means for you The yeast-based supplement effectively reduced PMS symptoms beyond placebo. This was a relatively small study, and the abstract does not fully describe what active ingredient the supplement contains. 18% symptom score at month 6 with active supplement (baseline = 100%) 73% symptom score at month 6 with placebo (baseline = 100%) 40 women enrolled ## About the study Original title Effects of a yeast-based dietary supplementation on premenstrual syndrome. A double-blind placebo-controlled study Authors Facchinetti F, Nappi RE, Sances MG et al. Journal Gynecologic and obstetric investigation Year 1997 Study design Randomised trial Participants 40 What was tested Sillix Donna yeast-based dietary supplement or placebo for 6 months Open access Yes Read the paper [doi.org/10.1159/000291836](https://doi.org/10.1159/000291836) Original abstract A dietary approach has proven to be effective in alleviating symptoms of premenstrual syndrome. In our previous studies, magnesium improved premenstrual irritability and mood scoings. In this double-blind, placebo-controlled study, we evaluated the effects of a new dietetic preparation (Sillix Donna, Giuliani) in 40 patients affected by mild to moderate premenstrual syndrome. Premenstrual symptoms were scored in both follicular and luteal phases, at baseline, at 2nd, 4th and 6th month of treatment by using the Menstrual Distress Questionnaire (MDQ). Twenty patients were randomised to receive the active preparation and 20 placebo. MDQ scores at baseline were similar in the two groups. Five patients of the placebo group dropped out because of treatment failure. No side effects were observed. Both treatments reduced symptoms already in the 2nd month, but the active preparation was more effective at all time controls (p < 0.05); at the 6th month it significantly reduced premenstrual MDQ scores to 18% of baseline values, placebo only to 73%. These data demonstrate that Sillix Donna is effective in reducing premenstrual distress. Reproduced under CC-BY. ## Topics [Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pms/)[Diet and nutrition](https://niyora.com/research/topics/treatment-diet/)[Magnesium](https://niyora.com/research/topics/treatment-magnesium/) 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 Systematic review, 2025 Do nutritional interventions help with emotional symptoms of PMS? Systematic review, 2007 What treatments work for premenstrual syndrome? Study, 2002 Which PMS treatments have good scientific evidence? Randomised trial, 2000 Which dietary supplements help PMS? Review, 2026 Can diet and nutrition help reduce PMS symptoms? Review, 2025 Do yoga and dietary changes help with PMS symptoms? Ask AI about this page Copy prompt ChatGPT ↗ Claude ↗ Perplexity ↗ Google AI Mode ↗ Grok ↗