Randomised trial, 2020
Does an oxaloacetate and vitamin C combination reduce emotional symptoms of PMS?
Yes. The supplement significantly improved depression, anxiety, stress, and aggression, with depression improving by 54.1% and suicidal ideation reduced by 47.9%.
What they did
A randomized, placebo-controlled, cross-over trial with 48 women with PMS. Women took 2 capsules daily of either 100 mg oxaloacetate with 150 mg vitamin C or placebo for one menstrual cycle, then switched to the other treatment for a second cycle. They completed questionnaires measuring depression, stress, anxiety, and aggression at the start and after each cycle.
What they found
With oxaloacetate and vitamin C supplementation: depression improved 54.1%, perceived stress improved 35.8%, anxiety improved 51.43%, aggression improved 17.8%, and suicidal ideation decreased 47.9%. All results were highly significant.
What it means for you
This combination supplement substantially improved emotional symptoms in PMS, particularly depression and anxiety. However, the study was small with limited information about how women were selected, and it's a single trial. More research is needed to confirm these findings.
54.1%
improvement in depression
51.43%
improvement in anxiety
47.9%
reduction in suicidal ideation
About the study
- Original title
- Oxaloacetate reduces emotional symptoms in premenstrual syndrome (PMS): results of a placebo-controlled, cross-over clinical trial
- Authors
- Tully L, Humiston J, Cash A
- Journal
- Obstetrics & gynecology science
- Year
- 2020
- Study design
- Randomised trial
- What was tested
- 100 mg oxaloacetate with 150 mg ascorbic acid (vitamin C) taken as 2 capsules daily for each menstrual cycle.
- Open access
- Yes
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.5468/ogs.2020.63.2.195
Topics
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