Review, 2001
Does calcium supplementation reduce PMS symptoms?
Yes. Calcium supplementation significantly reduces both the physical symptoms (like pain or bloating) and emotional symptoms of PMS.
What they did
Reviewed studies on how micronutrients and vitamins affect women's health at different life stages, including PMS, pregnancy, bone health, and immune function.
What they found
Calcium supplementation significantly reduces physical and emotional symptoms of PMS. PMS may be a sign of low calcium intake and future osteoporosis. Multivitamin supplementation around conception reduced the risk of birth defects, premature delivery, and low birth weight by 50 percent and improved maternal health during pregnancy. Calcium with or without vitamin D significantly reduces hip fracture risk.
What it means for you
Calcium is one of the most well-studied treatments for PMS and helps both physical and mood symptoms. Low calcium may underlie PMS, and addressing it through supplementation may help prevent osteoporosis later.
50%
Reduced birth defects, preterm delivery, low birth weight
Significantly
Degree of PMS symptom reduction with calcium
About the study
- Original title
- Micronutrients in women's health and immune function
- Authors
- Bendich A
- Journal
- Nutrition (Burbank, Los Angeles County, Calif.)
- Year
- 2001
- Study design
- Review
- What was tested
- Calcium supplementation, with or without vitamin D; multivitamin supplementation.
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.1016/s0899-9007(01)00649-9
Topics
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