Women who consume large amounts of vitamin D are 41 percent less likely to suffer from PMS, while women who consume large amounts of calcium are 30 percent less likely to suffer from the condition.
The 10-year study conducted by researchers at the University of Massachusetts confirms past research that calcium does ease symptoms of PMS. However, such research did not determine the extent to which vitamin D intake may be associated with the condition.
Up to ninety percent of women experience irritability, fatigue, stomach cramps, or some other type of mood or physical symptom before the onset of their monthly period. For most women, symptoms are mild, but as many as 20 percent of women have symptoms so severe that they interfere with their daily activities and relationships.
To investigate, researchers analyzed information from the ongoing Nurses' Health Study II. During the course of the study just over 1,000 women developed symptoms of PMS while nearly 2,000 women remained free of the condition. Participants were given a food frequency questionnaire in 1991, 1995 and 1999 to evaluate their intake of milk, yogurt, cheese, spinach and other calcium and vitamin D-rich foods, as well as whether they supplemented their diet with calcium-containing antacids, vitamin D, or multivitamins.
Women who experienced decreased rates of PMS from calcium and vitamin D were consuming on average about 1,200 milligrams of calcium and 400 IU of vitamin D from food sources every day.
Researchers report that further studies are needed to confirm these findings.
All research on this web site is the property of Leslie Beck Nutrition Consulting Inc. and is protected by copyright. Keep in mind that research on these matters continues daily and is subject to change. The information presented is not intended as a substitute for medical treatment. It is intended to provide ongoing support of your healthy lifestyle practices.