Survey study, 2022
Does eating certain foods increase the risk of PMS?
Women with PMS ate more sugary and processed foods, and eating these frequently was linked to higher PMS risk. A diet low in simple sugars is recommended.
What they did
A questionnaire study comparing 131 university students with PMS to 106 without PMS in Turkey. Students reported their three-day food intake and completed a PMS scale. Statistical analysis calculated how much each food increased PMS risk.
What they found
Women with PMS consumed more milk puddings, ice cream, biscuits, honey, jam, sugar, coffee, and soft drinks. Risk increased 2.903 times with frequent ice cream (1-2 times per week or more), 2.468 times with honey or jam (5-6 times per week or more), and 2.270 times with sugar (5-6 times per week or more). Lower income also increased PMS risk.
What it means for you
This is an observational study, so we cannot say these foods cause PMS, only that women with PMS eat them more often. The study was limited to Turkish university students, so findings may not apply widely. Results suggest a diet with complex carbohydrates and limited simple sugar.
2.903
Risk increase with frequent ice cream
2.468
Risk increase with frequent honey/jam
2.270
Risk increase with frequent sugar
About the study
- Original title
- Dietary factors associated with premenstrual syndrome: A cross-sectional study of Turkish university students: Premenstrual syndrome and nutrition
- Authors
- Müge Yılmaz, Sali̇me Mucuk, Atuk et al.
- Journal
- Progress in nutrition
- Year
- 2022
- Study design
- Survey study
- Participants
- 131
- What was tested
- None
- Open access
- Yes
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.23751/pn.v23i4.11338
Topics
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