Lee Swanson Research Update

Calcium and Vitamin D Help Cut Risk of PMS

October 2005

calcium

"A high intake of calcium and vitamin D may reduce the risk of PMS," according to a study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine. Researchers prefaced their investigation by stating, "Studies suggest that blood calcium and vitamin D levels are lower in women with PMS and that calcium supplementation may reduce symptom severity, but it is unknown whether these nutrients may prevent the initial development of PMS."

Scientists conducted a case-control study, researching women who had taken part in the prospective Nurses' Health Study II. Participants were women aged 27 to 44 who were free from PMS at baseline in 1991, including 1,057 women who developed PMS over 10 years of follow-up and 1,968 women who reported no diagnosis of PMS and no or minimal menstrual symptoms. Intake of calcium and vitamin D were measured in 1991, 1995 and 1999.

Women who consumed 706 IU per day of vitamin D had a much lower risk factor for PMS than women who had the lowest intake at 112 IU per day. The same held true for calcium consumption. Women with the highest intake per day at 1,283 mg had a much lower risk factor for PMS than women who consumed 529 mg per day, the lowest intake. Researchers noted that the intake of skim or low-fat milk was also associated with a lower risk.

Archives of Internal Medicine 165(11):1246-1252

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