Randomised trial, 2023
Does zinc supplementation reduce PMS symptoms in women?
Yes. Daily zinc supplementation for 24 weeks significantly reduced multiple PMS symptoms including anger, anxiety, depressed mood, and physical symptoms like breast tenderness and bloating compared to placebo.
What they did
Researchers conducted a triple-masked, randomized, placebo-controlled trial with 69 female university students aged 18-35 in Iran. One group received 220 mg of elemental zinc daily (33 students) and the other group received placebo (36 students) for 24 weeks. PMS symptoms were measured using a standardized questionnaire at the start and end of the study.
What they found
After 24 weeks, the zinc group showed significant decreases in anger, anxiety, depressed mood, overeating, breast tenderness, headaches, muscle pain, bloating, and weight gain compared to placebo (P < 0.001). The zinc group also showed significant improvement in relationships with friends, classmates, and coworkers compared to placebo (p = 0.003).
What it means for you
Zinc appears to be an inexpensive and simple treatment that can reduce both physical and emotional symptoms of PMS. The study is limited by its relatively small sample size and being conducted in only one country. More research is needed to confirm these findings with larger groups.
69
female university students
220
mg elemental zinc daily
24
weeks of treatment
About the study
- Original title
- The Effect of Zinc Supplementation on the Improvement of Premenstrual Symptoms in Female University Students: a Randomized Clinical Trial Study
- Authors
- Ahmadi M, Khansary S, Parsapour H et al.
- Journal
- Biological trace element research
- Year
- 2023
- Study design
- Randomised trial
- Participants
- 36
- What was tested
- 220 mg elemental zinc daily for 24 weeks
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.1007/s12011-022-03175-w
Topics
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