---
title: Does a phosphatidylserine and phosphatidic acid supplement reduce PMS symptoms?
description: Yes, women taking this supplement had significantly better improvement in PMS symptoms compared to placebo, including improvements in physical and depressive
url: https://niyora.com/research/papers/a-lecithin-phosphatidylserine-and-phosphatidic-acid-complex-pas-reduces-symptoms-2018/
---

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- Does a phosphatidylserine and phosphatidic acid supplement reduce PMS symptoms?

Randomised trial, 2018

# Does a phosphatidylserine and phosphatidic acid supplement reduce PMS symptoms?

Yes, women taking this supplement had significantly better improvement in PMS symptoms compared to placebo, including improvements in physical and depressive symptoms. The study was small but well-designed.

 Moderate study design

40 women aged 18-45 with PMS diagnosis

## What they did

40 women aged 18-45 with PMS were randomly assigned to take either a supplement containing 400mg phosphatidylserine and 400mg phosphatidic acid daily or placebo. The study tracked symptoms during 1 baseline cycle followed by 3 treatment cycles, measuring severity using daily reports.

## What they found

Women taking the supplement had significantly better improvement in total PMS symptoms (p=0.001), physical symptoms (p=0.002), and depressive symptoms (p=0.068) compared to placebo. They also reported less reduction in productivity and less interference with relationships. Stress hormone levels (cortisol) showed some improvements in the supplement group.

## What it means for you

A supplement containing phosphatidylserine and phosphatidic acid may help reduce PMS symptoms and improve mood and relationships. The study was small with only 40 women and lasted just 3 months, so more research is needed before firm conclusions can be drawn.

40

women enrolled

400 mg

phosphatidylserine and phosphatidic acid daily

3

treatment cycles

## About the study

Original title A lecithin phosphatidylserine and phosphatidic acid complex (PAS) reduces symptoms of the premenstrual syndrome (PMS): Results of a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind clinical trial Authors Schmidt K, Weber N, Steiner M et al. Journal Clinical nutrition ESPEN Year 2018 Study design Randomised trial What was tested Daily supplement of 400mg phosphatidylserine and 400mg phosphatidic acid Open access Yes Read the paper [doi.org/10.1016/j.clnesp.2018.01.067](https://doi.org/10.1016/j.clnesp.2018.01.067)

## Topics

[Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pms/)[Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pmdd/)[Menstrual cycle and mood](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-cycle-mood/)[Low mood and depression](https://niyora.com/research/topics/symptom-depression-mood/)[Stress](https://niyora.com/research/topics/symptom-stress/)

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