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Case-control study, 2022

Are zinc and antioxidant levels different in women with PMS?

Yes. Women with PMS have lower zinc and antioxidant levels than women without PMS. Antioxidant levels appear linked to diet, particularly intake of antioxidant-rich foods.

Moderate study design 110 university students aged 18-28 (48 with PMS, 62 without), mean age 20.3±1.9 years

What they did

Researchers studied 110 university students aged 18-28 (48 with PMS, 62 without). They measured blood zinc and antioxidant levels and assessed diet using 24-hour dietary recall.

What they found

Women with PMS had lower serum zinc (11.67±6.42 µmol/L vs. 28.04±31.40 µmol/L in those without PMS). They also had lower antioxidant capacity (1.47±0.10 vs. 1.60±0.42 mmol/L) and higher body mass index (23.73±3.44 vs. 22.30±2.71 kg/m²). Women with PMS had lower intake of fiber, omega-3 fats, and vitamins E, B1, B2, B6, C, folate, and magnesium. Antioxidant levels were positively linked to dietary antioxidant and omega-3 fat intake.

What it means for you

Lower mineral and antioxidant levels in women with PMS appear linked to lower intake of certain nutrients in their diet. However, all participants were young university students, so findings may not apply to women of different ages.

11.67±6.42

serum zinc PMS (µmol/L)

28.04±31.40

serum zinc non-PMS (µmol/L)

20.3±1.9

mean age in years

About the study

Original title
Low serum zinc and total antioxidant capacity levels in individuals with premenstrual syndrome
Authors
Tuğba Küçükkasap Cömert, Duygu Ağagündüz, Özlem Muşlu et al.
Journal
Gulhane Medical Journal
Year
2022
Study design
Case-control study
Participants
110
What was tested
None - observational comparison of existing groups
Open access
Yes

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