---
title: Does low vitamin D raise the risk of PMS? | Niyora
description: No, this study found no clear link between vitamin D levels and having PMS overall, though low vitamin D was linked to two specific symptoms, breast tendernes
url: https://niyora.com/research/papers/vitamin-d-and-premenstrual-syndrome-in-healthy-women-with-regular-cycles-p18-056-2019/
---

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- Does low vitamin D raise the risk of PMS?

Cohort study, 2019

# Does low vitamin D raise the risk of PMS?

No, this study found no clear link between vitamin D levels and having PMS overall, though low vitamin D was linked to two specific symptoms, breast tenderness and general aches.

 Moderate study design

Healthy women with regular menstrual cycles, in two groups: 76 women and 1191 women (some with prior pregnancy loss)

## What they did

Researchers studied vitamin D levels and PMS symptoms in two groups of healthy women with regular periods: 76 women followed for up to 2 menstrual cycles, and 1191 women followed for symptoms over the past year. Vitamin D was measured from a blood sample, and PMS was assessed with a questionnaire covering 14 physical and psychological symptoms.

## What they found

About 54% and 47% of women had enough vitamin D in the two groups, and 33% and 40% had PMS. Vitamin D levels were not linked to overall risk of PMS in either group. However, women with low vitamin D had a higher risk of breast fullness or tenderness and of general aches and pains compared to women with enough vitamin D. No links were found between vitamin D and psychological symptoms.

## What it means for you

Having low vitamin D does not seem to raise the overall risk of PMS in women with regular cycles, though it may play a role in specific physical symptoms like breast tenderness and body aches. More research is needed, especially in women with irregular cycles.

1191

Women in larger cohort

33% and 40%

Women with PMS in the two cohorts

54% and 47%

Women with sufficient vitamin D in the two cohorts

## About the study

Original title Vitamin D and Premenstrual Syndrome in Healthy Women with Regular Cycles (P18-056-19) Authors Alkhalaf Z, Kim K, Purdue-Smithe A et al. Journal Current developments in nutrition Year 2019 Study design Cohort study Participants 1,191 What was tested None tested; vitamin D blood levels were measured and compared to PMS symptoms Read the paper [doi.org/10.1093/cdn/nzz039.p18-056-19](https://doi.org/10.1093/cdn/nzz039.p18-056-19)

## Topics

[Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pms/)[Relationships and partners](https://niyora.com/research/topics/life-area-relationships/)[Vitamin D](https://niyora.com/research/topics/treatment-vitamin-d/)

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