Randomised trial, 2013
Are low calcium and other minerals related to PMS symptoms?
Yes, very low calcium is extremely common in women with PMS, and weak associations were found between low sodium or magnesium and some PMS symptoms like anxiety and depression. However, this study only shows association, not proof of causation.
What they did
Observational study (no intervention). 93 young women were monitored for 3 months. Daily symptoms were recorded, and blood tests measured sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, hemoglobin and hematocrit during the luteal phase.
What they found
Anxiety, depression, swelling and breast pain were most severe during the menstrual phase. About 83% of women had lower than normal calcium levels. About 24% had anemia. Weak associations were found between low sodium and anxiety, and between low magnesium and depression and nausea.
What it means for you
Low calcium is very common in women with PMS, but we don't know if it causes PMS or is just associated with it. This is an observational study with no control group, so stronger evidence is needed. Anemia also appears common and may contribute to symptoms.
3 months
Monitoring period
83.09%
Low calcium prevalence
24%
Anemia prevalence
About the study
- Original title
- Seric ion level and its relationship with the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome in young women
- Authors
- dos Santos LA, de Azeredo VB, Eloy Chaves Barbosa D et al.
- Journal
- Nutricion hospitalaria
- Year
- 2013
- Study design
- Randomised trial
- What was tested
- None - observational study only
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.3305/nutr hosp.v28in06.6648
Topics
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