REVIEW PAPER
NUTRITION AND THE PREMENSTRUAL SYNDROME:
A LOOK AT THE CURRENT STATE OF KNOWLEDGE
1
The Infant Jesus Hospital, Warsaw, Poland
2
Faculty of Medicine, Medical College, Warsaw Medical University, Warsaw, Poland
3
National Medical Institute of the Ministry of the Interior and Administration, Warsaw, Poland
4
Grochowski Hospital, Warsaw, Poland
5
Public Independent Healthcare Services of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Administration in Białystok, Poland
6
Mazovian Regional Hospital, Siedlce, Poland
7
Marshal Józef Piłsudski Memorial Hospital, Płońsk, Poland
Submission date: 2024-07-09
Final revision date: 2025-02-28
Acceptance date: 2025-03-04
Publication date: 2025-04-02
KEYWORDS
TOPICS
ABSTRACT
The premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a set of physical, psychological, and behavioral symptoms affecting women in the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle. While pharmacological treatments exist, dietary interventions offer a promising, non-invasive approach. The narrative review examines the role of diet in PMS management, focusing on key nutrients and dietary patterns. A literature search was conducted in PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar for studies published between 2018 and 2024 on dietary influences on PMS. Evidence suggests that calcium, magnesium, vitamin D, B vitamins, and omega-3 fatty acids can alleviate PMS symptoms. Calcium and vitamin D help regulate hormones and neurotransmitters, while magnesium has anti-inflammatory and muscle-relaxing effects. Vitamin B6 supports serotonin metabolism, reducing mood disturbances, and omega-3 fatty acids help lower inflammation and emotional stress. Mediterranean diet, rich in anti-inflammatory components, is associated with reduced PMS severity. Dietary modifications may be an effective and accessible strategy for PMS symptom relief. Further studies are needed to determine optimal dietary recommendations.
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