Survey study, 2008
Does eating lower glycemic index carbohydrates help reduce PMS symptoms?
Yes. Lower glycemic index diet was associated with fewer overall PMS symptoms and specifically with fewer concentration problems, autonomic reactions, and water retention.
What they did
Cross-sectional study of 640 female Japanese university students aged 18-22. Researchers assessed their diet using a questionnaire and asked about menstrual symptoms using a validated questionnaire that tracked symptoms throughout the cycle.
What they found
Lower glycemic index diet was independently associated with lower total PMS symptom scores (P=0.02). It also showed independent associations with reduced concentration problems, autonomic reactions, and water retention (P<0.05). Glycemic load and fiber intake were not associated with symptom changes.
What it means for you
Eating lower glycemic index carbohydrates may help reduce PMS symptoms, particularly concentration problems and water retention. This was an observational study of a specific group (dietetic students in Japan), so it shows association only, not proof that diet directly causes symptom changes.
640
women studied
18-22
age range in years
P=0.02
significance for overall symptom reduction
About the study
- Original title
- Dietary glycemic index is associated with decreased premenstrual symptoms in young Japanese women
- Authors
- Murakami K, Sasaki S, Takahashi Y et al.
- Journal
- Nutrition (Burbank, Los Angeles County, Calif.)
- Year
- 2008
- Study design
- Survey study
- Participants
- 640
- What was tested
- Dietary glycemic index
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.1016/j.nut.2008.02.003
Topics
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