Study, 1998
Does diet and supplements help PMS?
Yes, some dietary changes and supplements may help PMS. Magnesium and vitamin B6 are helpful for some women. Results usually appear after 3-4 months.
What they did
This was a review of published research on diet and PMS. The author also shared clinical experience from seeing many patients with PMS over 6 years at a PMS clinic.
What they found
Women with PMS often have poor diet and vitamin and mineral deficiencies. Magnesium and vitamin B6 are helpful for some women. Evening primrose oil seems most effective for breast tenderness. Calcium supplementation may help reduce some PMS symptoms. Beneficial effects from dietary changes usually appear only after following the advice for 3-4 months.
What it means for you
Changing your diet could help PMS without needing medication. The downside is waiting 3-4 months to see results, which can feel discouraging. This is based on clinical experience and published research, so it is fairly reliable. However, not every woman's body responds the same way.
6 years
author's clinical experience with PMS patients
3-4 months
time to notice benefits from dietary changes
About the study
- Original title
- Pre-menstrual syndrome and diet
- Authors
- Bussell G
- Journal
- Journal of nutritional & environmental medicine
- Year
- 1998
- Study design
- Study
- What was tested
- Dietary changes and nutritional supplements
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.1080/13590849862302
Topics
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