---
title: Do dietitians know about omega-3 fatty acids and PMS? | Niyora
description: Most dietitians know omega-3 is healthy, but only 31% knew research links omega-3 to PMS symptoms. Dietitians without PMS ate more omega-3 than those with PMS
url: https://niyora.com/research/papers/registered-dietitians-knowledge-beliefs-premenstrual-syndrome-symptoms-and-omega-2008/
---

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- Do dietitians know about omega-3 fatty acids and PMS?

Survey study, 2008

# Do dietitians know about omega-3 fatty acids and PMS?

Most dietitians know omega-3 is healthy, but only 31% knew research links omega-3 to PMS symptoms. Dietitians without PMS ate more omega-3 than those with PMS.

 Early or limited evidence

165 registered dietitians (35% response rate)

## What they did

165 registered dietitians answered an online survey about their knowledge of omega-3 fatty acids and PMS, and what foods containing omega-3 they ate.

## What they found

99% of dietitians believed omega-3 was important for health, but only 31% knew about research linking omega-3 intake to PMS severity. Dietitians without PMS consumed 7.2 grams of omega-3 per week, while those with PMS consumed 4.3 grams per week. Walnuts and salmon were the most commonly eaten omega-3 foods.

## What it means for you

Most dietitians are unaware that omega-3 may help PMS, even though professionals with higher omega-3 intake had fewer PMS symptoms. However, this was only a survey of professionals, not a test of whether omega-3 actually helps women with PMS. We cannot know if omega-3 prevents PMS or if women with PMS simply eat less healthy food. Only 35% of surveyed dietitians responded.

31%

knew about omega-3 and PMS research

7.2 g/week

omega-3 in dietitians without PMS

4.3 g/week

omega-3 in dietitians with PMS

## About the study

Original title Registered Dietitians' Knowledge, Beliefs, Premenstrual Syndrome Symptoms, and Omega-3 Fatty Acids Intake Authors Spellman E, Gregoire M, Rockway S et al. Journal Topics in clinical nutrition Year 2008 Study design Survey study Participants 165 What was tested Omega-3 knowledge and intake Read the paper [doi.org/10.1097/01.tin.0000333558.05454.e2](https://doi.org/10.1097/01.tin.0000333558.05454.e2)

## Topics

[Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pms/)[Stigma, attitudes and culture](https://niyora.com/research/topics/life-area-stigma-culture/)[Diet and nutrition](https://niyora.com/research/topics/treatment-diet/)[Omega-3 fatty acids](https://niyora.com/research/topics/treatment-omega-3/)

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