--- title: What diet factors affect PMS severity in women with abdominal obesity? description: Higher monounsaturated fat and younger age were linked to worse PMS. Higher riboflavin (vitamin B2) was linked to milder PMS. This is a small observational st url: https://niyora.com/research/papers/factors-associated-with-the-severity-of-premenstrual-symptoms-in-women-with-2023/ --- - [Niyora](https://niyora.com/) - [Research](https://niyora.com/research/) - [Library](https://niyora.com/research/library/) - What diet factors affect PMS severity in women with abdominal obesity? Survey study, 2023 # What diet factors affect PMS severity in women with abdominal obesity? Higher monounsaturated fat and younger age were linked to worse PMS. Higher riboflavin (vitamin B2) was linked to milder PMS. This is a small observational study, so results need confirmation in larger populations. Early or limited evidence 139 women aged 30-50 with abdominal obesity ## What they did Researchers studied 139 women aged 30-50 with abdominal obesity. They assessed PMS severity using a standard tool and measured diet, body size, mood, vitamin D levels, and kidney function. ## What they found About 38.7% had mild PMS, 31.7% had moderate PMS, and 27.5% had severe PMS. Women with moderate PMS had lower saturated fat and higher riboflavin intake. Those with severe PMS tended to be younger and had higher monounsaturated fat intake. ## What it means for you In obese women, the type of fat eaten and vitamin B2 intake may influence PMS severity, and younger age was linked to worse symptoms. This is a small observational study in one population, so these results need confirmation in larger studies before we know if they apply to other women. 139 women studied 38.7% had mild PMS 27.5% had severe PMS ## About the study Original title Factors associated with the severity of premenstrual symptoms in women with central obesity: a cross-sectional study Authors Sharifan P, Jafarzadeh Esfehani A, Zamiri A et al. Journal Journal of health, population, and nutrition Year 2023 Study design Survey study Participants 139 What was tested None Open access Yes Read the paper [doi.org/10.1186/s41043-022-00343-5](https://doi.org/10.1186/s41043-022-00343-5) Original abstract Introduction: Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a common condition that affects social and psychological well-being of women. The risk of PMS is higher among obese women. The aim of this study was to identify the factors that influence the severity of PMS in women with central obesity. Materials and methods: This cross-sectional study was performed on 30-50 year-old women with abdominal obesity (waist circumference > 80 cm). The following data were collected: demographic data, anthropometric measurements, premenstrual symptoms screening tools, semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire, 42-item depression, anxiety, and stress questionnaire (DASS-42), as well as serum vitamin D, and renal function tests. Results: A total of 139 women (mean age of 41.40 ± 7.39 years old) participated in the study. The prevalence of mild, moderate and severe premenstrual symptoms was 38.7% (55/142), 31.7% (45/142) and 27.5% (39/142), respectively. There was no significant difference between the groups in terms of anthropometric measurements and energy-adjusted nutrient intakes (p > 0.05). There was a significant relationship between moderate PMS and energy-adjusted saturated fatty acid (SFA) (p = .018, OR = .010 and 95% CI for OR: < .001 and .452), and energy-adjusted riboflavin (p = .042, OR = .005, 95% CI for OR: < .001 and .821), and between severe PMS and age (p = .034, OR = .906, 95% CI for OR: .826 and .993), and energy-adjusted monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA) intake (p = .041, OR = 23.789, 95% CI for OR: 1.138 and 497.294). Conclusion: High intakes of MUFA and younger age were associated with a greater severity of PMS, while riboflavin intake was associated with reduced PMS severity. Reproduced under CC-BY. ## Topics [Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pms/)[Low mood and depression](https://niyora.com/research/topics/symptom-depression-mood/)[Vitamin D](https://niyora.com/research/topics/treatment-vitamin-d/) Research tells you what helps on average. Niyora helps on the day it hits. Calm down, see it another way, and decide what to say, with a PMS and PMDD app built by a doctor. ## Related studies Systematic review, 2026 Does vitamin D supplementation help PMS symptoms? Systematic review, 2022 What increases the risk of depression after childbirth? Review, 2011 What are PMS and PMDD, and how common are they? Review, 2016 How common are PMS and PMDD, and what are the best treatments? Randomised trial, 2016 Does vitamin D help with PMS mood symptoms in young women with very low vitamin D? Review, 2000 Can calcium and vitamin D help with PMS symptoms? Ask AI about this page Copy prompt ChatGPT ↗ Claude ↗ Perplexity ↗ Google AI Mode ↗ Grok ↗