Case-control study, 1988
Do women with PMS have vitamin or mineral deficiencies?
No. The study found no difference in vitamin and mineral levels between women with PMS and healthy women, so deficiencies probably do not cause PMS.
What they did
Researchers measured blood levels of magnesium, zinc, vitamin A, vitamin E, and B vitamins in 38 women with PMS and 23 healthy women. They collected blood samples at two times: during the premenstrual phase and during the early part of the cycle.
What they found
There was no evidence that women with PMS had lower levels of any of the vitamins and minerals tested compared to healthy women.
What it means for you
Nutritional deficiencies are probably not the main cause of PMS. However, this is a relatively small study, so it does not completely rule out that nutritional supplements might help some women.
38
women with PMS
23
control women
5
nutrients measured
About the study
- Original title
- Vitamin and trace element status in premenstrual syndrome
- Authors
- Mira M, Stewart PM, Abraham SF
- Journal
- The American journal of clinical nutrition
- Year
- 1988
- Study design
- Case-control study
- Participants
- 38
- What was tested
- none
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.1093/ajcn/47.4.636
Topics
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