Systematic review, 2025
Does taking zinc supplements reduce PMS symptoms?
The overall evidence is mixed: combining all the studies showed no significant benefit, but some higher-quality randomized trials found zinc reduced certain physical and psychological PMS symptoms.
What they did
Researchers searched three databases (PubMed, Scopus, ISI Web of Science) up to December 2023 for studies on zinc and premenstrual syndrome. Out of 103 studies found, 11 met the inclusion criteria, a mix of observational studies and randomized controlled trials, and were reviewed.
What they found
The studies were too different from each other to combine into one overall statistic (no meta-analysis was possible), and no significant relationship was found overall between zinc supplementation and reduced PMS symptoms. However, women with PMS generally had lower zinc levels, and the randomized controlled trials (rated high quality) indicated that zinc supplementation could significantly decrease certain physical and psychological symptoms.
What it means for you
Zinc might help with some PMS symptoms, and low zinc is linked to PMS, but the current evidence isn't consistent or strong enough to be sure. Larger trials over longer periods are needed before this can be confidently recommended.
103
studies initially screened
11
studies included in the review
About the study
- Original title
- Effects of Zinc Supplementation on Premenstrual Syndrome: A Systematic Review of Observational and Randomized Clinical Trials
- Authors
- Fatemeh Taghizadeh Shivyari, Sara Mighani, Ghazal Baghdadi et al.
- Journal
- Nutrition And Food In Health And Disease
- Year
- 2025
- Study design
- Systematic review
- What was tested
- Zinc supplementation (e.g., zinc sulfate, zinc acetate).
- Open access
- Yes
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.66224/nfsr.12.4.41
Topics
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