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Randomised trial, 2004

Does a dietary supplement called Karinat help premenstrual syndrome and breast pain?

Yes, Karinat improved symptoms in 75.8% of women, which was 45.5 percentage points more than those taking placebo.

Moderate study design 66 patients with benign breast disease, randomized to treatment and control groups

What they did

Double-blind randomized trial. 66 women took either Karinat (a supplement with vitamins and garlic) or placebo, twice daily for 6 months. Doctors checked their symptoms using clinical exams, breast ultrasound and mammography.

What they found

Karinat reduced breast pain, premenstrual syndrome, period pain, and other breast symptoms. The treatment group had positive results in 75.8% of women compared to being significantly greater by 45.5 percentage points relative to placebo.

What it means for you

This study shows promise but has limits. The sample was small and the supplement contained multiple ingredients, so we cannot tell which components helped. The findings need confirmation in larger studies.

66

women in study

75.8%

improved with Karinat

45.5 points

greater than placebo

About the study

Original title
[Study of an antioxidant dietary supplement "Karinat" in patients with benign breast disease]
Authors
Bespalov VG, Barash NIu, Ivanova OA et al.
Journal
Voprosy onkologii
Year
2004
Study design
Randomised trial
Participants
66
What was tested
Karinat supplement (beta-carotene 2.5mg, alpha-tocopherol 5mg, ascorbic acid 30mg, garlic powder 150mg) taken twice daily

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