Randomised trial, 2004
Does a flavonoid supplement help with premenstrual fluid retention and leg swelling?
The supplement improved women's sense of leg health but did not reduce actual leg swelling. Results for fluid retention approached but did not reach significance.
What they did
A double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot study where 30 pre-menopausal women with premenstrual fluid retention received either a daily flavonoid extract (320 mg) or placebo for 4 menstrual cycles. Leg girth was measured and women reported symptoms.
What they found
Significant improvement in subjective leg health scores with flavonoid treatment compared to placebo (p=0.013). Improvement in reported fluid retention nearly reached significance (p=0.066). No significant changes were noted in actual leg girth measurements.
What it means for you
Women reported feeling their legs were healthier after the supplement, but leg measurements did not actually change. This was a small pilot study, so larger studies are needed. It is unclear whether the subjective feeling of improvement has practical value.
18
Women receiving flavonoid treatment
12
Women receiving placebo
4
Menstrual cycles in study
About the study
- Original title
- Flavonoid supplement improves leg health and reduces fluid retention in pre-menopausal women in a double-blind, placebo-controlled study
- Authors
- Christie S, Walker AF, Hicks SM et al.
- Journal
- Phytomedicine : international journal of phytotherapy and phytopharmacology
- Year
- 2004
- Study design
- Randomised trial
- Participants
- 18
- What was tested
- Daily flavonoid extract (320 mg) vs placebo
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.1078/0944-7113-00347
Topics
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