Systematic review, 2019
Does vitamin D help premenstrual syndrome?
Observational studies found no link between vitamin D levels and PMS. However, clinical trials where women took vitamin D supplements showed the supplements helped reduce PMS symptoms.
What they did
Systematic review and meta-analysis of 16 studies (from 196 identified), including observational and intervention trials examining vitamin D and PMS, searching databases through September 2018.
What they found
Observational studies showed no significant association between vitamin D levels and PMS (weighted mean difference 3.35). However, interventional studies testing vitamin D supplementation found it was effective at reducing PMS symptoms.
What it means for you
Vitamin D supplements may help PMS symptoms, even though women with PMS don't necessarily have low vitamin D levels. This suggests supplementation could have benefits beyond correcting deficiency. More research needed on optimal doses.
16
studies included of 196
5-8%
women with severe PMS
3.35
mean difference in vitamin D levels
About the study
- Original title
- The Association Between Vitamin D and Premenstrual Syndrome: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Current Literature
- Authors
- Arab A, Golpour-Hamedani S, Rafie N
- Journal
- Journal of the American College of Nutrition
- Year
- 2019
- Study design
- Systematic review
- What was tested
- Vitamin D supplementation
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.1080/07315724.2019.1566036
Topics
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