Randomised trial, 1995
Does a special carbohydrate drink help mood and thinking problems in PMS?
Yes, the carbohydrate beverage significantly reduced depression, anger, confusion, and food cravings 90 to 180 minutes after drinking it, and improved memory performance.
What they did
Twenty-four women with confirmed PMS participated in a double-blind, crossover study over three menstrual cycles. They consumed the specially-formulated carbohydrate beverage, an isocaloric control beverage, and placebo. Mood, memory, and food cravings were tested before and at 30, 90, and 180 minutes after consumption during the premenstrual phase.
What they found
The carbohydrate beverage significantly decreased self-reported depression, anger, confusion, and food cravings at 90 to 180 minutes after intake. Memory word recognition was also significantly improved. The control beverages had no significant effects.
What it means for you
A specially-formulated carbohydrate beverage can quickly improve mood and memory in women with PMS, with effects lasting about 90 to 180 minutes. The study was small and only tested short-term effects.
24
women with PMS
3
menstrual cycles studied
90-180
minutes when effects occurred
About the study
- Original title
- The effect of a carbohydrate-rich beverage on mood, appetite, and cognitive function in women with premenstrual syndrome
- Authors
- Sayegh R, Schiff I, Wurtman J et al.
- Journal
- Obstetrics and gynecology
- Year
- 1995
- Study design
- Randomised trial
- What was tested
- A specially-formulated carbohydrate-rich beverage versus isocaloric placebo beverages
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.1016/0029-7844(95)00246-n
Topics
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