Survey study, 2010
Does eating more carbohydrates help premenstrual syndrome?
Yes. Carbohydrate supplements and high carbohydrate diet both significantly reduced PMS symptom intensity, with supplements more effective than diet. This is moderate confidence from a small 3-month trial.
What they did
Cross-over interventional study where 80 women with PMS were assigned to three groups: high carbohydrate diet, protein diet, or carbohydrate supplements. Women followed the study protocol for 3 months and recorded symptoms daily.
What they found
76 women completed the study. PMS and symptom intensity (mood, behavioral and physical) decreased significantly using carbohydrate supplements and high carbohydrate diet (p=0.001). Carbohydrate supplements were more effective than high carbohydrate diet (p=0.001). Both had the same effect on anger, depression and appetite.
What it means for you
Adding carbohydrates or carbohydrate supplements may reduce PMS symptoms. The study is small with only 76 completers from one location, so larger studies are needed to confirm this works for everyone.
76
women completed the study
p=0.001
significance for carbohydrate benefit
3
months duration
About the study
- Original title
- Comparison of the effect of carbohydrate rich supplement and diet on premenstrual syndrome
- Authors
- Zohreh Mahmoodi, F Shahpoorian, Farideh Bastani et al.
- Journal
- Majallah-i dānishgāh-i ̒ulūm-i pizishkī-i Kirmānshāh
- Year
- 2010
- Study design
- Survey study
- Participants
- 80
- What was tested
- High carbohydrate diet, carbohydrate supplements, or protein diet for 3 months
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.22110/jkums.v14i1.286
Topics
Related studies
Cohort study, 2026
Do sleep, exercise, and diet quality affect period pain, heavy bleeding, and PMS in midlife?
Systematic review, 2025
Do nutritional interventions help with emotional symptoms of PMS?
Systematic review, 2025
How common are PMS, PMDD, and painful periods in nursing students, and do they affect their schooling?
Systematic review, 2022
Do herbal medicines and nutritional supplements help premenstrual syndrome symptoms?
Randomised trial, 2022
Does curcumin with piperine reduce PMS symptoms by lowering inflammation?
Randomised trial, 2022
Do herbal medicines and nutritional supplements help relieve PMS symptoms?