Survey study, 2023

Is higher vitamin C linked to premenstrual symptoms?

Higher vitamin C intake was linked to appetite changes. Suboptimal blood vitamin C levels were linked to appetite changes and bloating, but adequate levels were not clearly linked to either symptom.

Early or limited evidence 555 women aged 20-29 from Toronto

What they did

Cross-sectional study of 555 women aged 20-29 in Toronto. They measured dietary vitamin C intake, tested blood vitamin C levels, checked a gene called GSTT1, and asked about 15 premenstrual symptoms.

What they found

Women with higher vitamin C intake were more likely to report appetite changes. Women with low-normal blood vitamin C levels were more likely to report appetite changes and bloating. Women with adequate blood vitamin C levels showed no clear link to appetite changes or bloating. A particular version of the GSTT1 gene was linked to increased risk of bloating and swelling.

What it means for you

Higher vitamin C intake is linked to some premenstrual symptoms, though the pattern is unclear. This is a cross-sectional study, so we cannot say vitamin C causes these symptoms; they might be connected another way or due to other factors. The findings about genetics suggest something real might be happening.

555

women studied

75 mg/d

recommended daily vitamin C

20-29 years

age range

About the study

Original title: Associations Between Dietary Vitamin C, Serum Ascorbic Acid, and GSTT1 Genotype and Premenstrual Symptoms
Authors: Zeitoun T, El-Sohemy A
Journal: Journal of the American Nutrition Association
Year: 2023
Study design: Survey study
Participants: 555
Open access: Yes
Read the paper: doi.org/10.1080/27697061.2023.2186963

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