Research published in Archives of Internal Medicine (2005;165:1246–1252) suggests that vitamin D and calcium intake may be linked with premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Earlier studies had reported lower blood levels of both nutrients in women with PMS compared to those without symptoms.
In this prospective study, dietary intake was assessed in more than 3,000 women ages 27 to 44 who were free of PMS at baseline in 1991. Nutrient intake was evaluated using food-frequency questionnaires administered in 1991, 1995, and 1999. Over the course of follow-up, just over 1,000 women remained symptom-free, while more than 1,900 developed PMS.
Women with higher dietary intakes of vitamin D and calcium were less likely to develop PMS during the study period, suggesting that these nutrients may play a role in supporting normal menstrual health.
