Survey study, 1986
Can nutrition and diet changes help with PMS symptoms?
Research on the nutritional theory of PMS is controversial, but practical diet changes may help. Eating balanced meals, limiting salt and caffeine, choosing complex carbohydrates over refined sugar, and getting enough calcium may improve symptoms. Large supplement doses are not recommended.
What they did
This was a review article examining scientific studies on the relationship between PMS and various nutrients including vitamin B6, magnesium, calcium, vitamin E, lead, refined sugar, and protein.
What they found
The nutritional theory suggests PMS results from lack of vitamin B6, magnesium, and other nutrients, but evidence is controversial. Six practical guidelines: eat adequate amounts from all food groups, moderate salt and sodium if water retention is a problem, avoid excessive caffeine if breast pain is prominent, get adequate dietary calcium, satisfy sweet cravings with complex carbohydrates rather than refined sugar, and avoid megadoses of supplements. Addressing psychological stress is important for PMS.
What it means for you
While nutrients may play a role in PMS, evidence doesn't strongly support large supplement doses. A balanced diet with adequate calcium, limited salt and caffeine, and complex carbohydrates instead of refined sugar may help. Managing stress is important. The main limitation is this is a review with controversial findings, meaning the science was inconclusive.
6
Practical dietary guidelines outlined
About the study
- Original title
- Nutrition and the premenstrual syndrome
- Authors
- Shangold GA
- Journal
- Nutrition & the M.D
- Year
- 1986
- Study design
- Survey study
- What was tested
- Dietary recommendations
Topics
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