Calcium and vitamin D

Indication: premenstrual syndrome (PMS)

Source: Arch Intern Med, June 13, 2005;165(11):1246-52.

Research: Investigators conducted a case-control study nested within the prospective Nurses Health Study II cohort. Participants were a subset of women aged 27 to 44 years and free from PMS at baseline in 1991, including 1057 women who developed PMS over 10 years of follow-up and 1968 women reporting no diagnosis of PMS and no or minimal menstrual symptoms. Intake of calcium and vitamin D was measured in 1991, 1995, and 1999 by a food frequency questionnaire.

Results: Researchers concluded that high intakes of calcium and vitamin D may reduce the risk of PMS. They also said large-scale clinical trials addressing this issue are warranted. Given that calcium and vitamin D may also reduce the risk of osteoporosis and some cancers, researchers noted that clinicians may consider recommending these nutrients even for younger women.