Survey study, 2026
Does following a Mediterranean diet help reduce PMS symptoms?
Yes. Women with lower PMS scores had significantly higher Mediterranean diet adherence. Each one-point increase in diet adherence was linked to a 10.9% higher likelihood of not having PMS.
What they did
A cross-sectional study of 682 female nursing students, divided into two groups based on whether they had PMS (382 with PMS, 300 without). Researchers assessed PMS severity using the Premenstrual Syndrome Scale and measured Mediterranean diet adherence using the Mediterranean Diet Adherence Scale.
What they found
Women with PMS had significantly lower Mediterranean Diet Adherence scores (p<0.001). As adherence increased, PMS scores decreased (p<0.001). Each one-point increase in MEDAS score was associated with a 10.9% higher likelihood of not having PMS (p<0.001).
What it means for you
A Mediterranean diet rich in vegetables, fruits, whole grains and healthy fats may help reduce PMS symptoms. However, this study shows association, not cause, and involved only nursing students, so results may not apply to all women.
682
total female nursing students
382
students with PMS
10.9%
higher likelihood of no PMS per one-point diet increase
About the study
- Original title
- The Association Between Adherence to the Mediterranean Diet and Premenstrual Syndrome: A Cross-Sectional Study
- Authors
- Kadriye Toprak, Aliye Kuyumcu
- Journal
- Süleyman Demirel Üniversitesi Sağlık Bilimleri Dergisi
- Year
- 2026
- Study design
- Survey study
- Participants
- 682
- What was tested
- None - dietary adherence was measured
- Open access
- Yes
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.22312/sdusbed.1800551
Topics
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