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Taking dietary supplements containing essential fatty acids can help reduce the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome, according to the results of study by researchers at a Brazilian university.
The study, published Monday in the journal Reproductive Health, found that taking capsules containing about 1 gram of a blend of three essential fatty acids produced a significant reduction in PMS symptoms.
Essential fatty acids are substances that are not produced by the human body and are only available from diet. Eggs, nuts, vegetable oils and fish are examples of foods that provide such acids, which are also available in supplement form.
The study, authored by researchers from the Federal University of Pernambuco, is not the first to address the possible link between PMS and essential fatty acids, substances that play a complicated role in a woman's reproductive system. The study cites research dating back to 1983 examining such a possible link.
According to the study, the 120 women who participated reported few side effects, and most of those were mild and may have been due to sensitivity to mineral oil, the placebo taken by some of the participants.
The supplements taken by women in the study contained 210 mg of gamma linolenic acid, 175 mg of oleic acid, 345 mg of linoleic acid, 250 mg of other polyunsaturated acids and 20 mg of vitamin E, according to researchers.
06:07 PM on 1/18/2011
so can a supplement called dong Quai (chinese herb) and royal jelly (bee by product)
08:46 PM on 1/18/2011
Yup. And salt and chocolate too.
Where’s my money? I just performed a "study".
09:54 PM on 1/18/2011
Medicinal Gin.
(in moderation, of course).
04:24 PM on 1/19/2011
Lots of nuts, without the salt though.
Just stay away from any extra salt.
04:38 PM on 1/20/2011
Primrose oil (and borage) is good for pms and menopause. And inflammation. Chocolate cravings mean you probably need more minerals, like magnesium. Or just more chocolate, yep.