Higher dietary intake of thiamine and riboflavin was associated with lower risk for new-onset premenstrual syndrome.
The etiology of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) remains elusive. To evaluate possible associations between dietary B vitamin intake and development of PMS, investigators conducted a case-control study nested within the Nurses' Health Study, a longitudinal cohort of women who provide biennial reports of diet and lifestyle factors and health outcomes. During 10 years of follow-up, PMS was diagnosed in 1057 participants (36%); 1968 women were identified who did not have PMS or other menstrual symptoms.
Women in the highest quintile of thiamine intake were 25% less likely to develop PMS than were those in the lowest quintile, and women in the highest quintile of riboflavin intake were 35% less likely to develop PMS. Intake of B vitamins from supplements did not lower risk for PMS — probably a reflection that such supplements often are prescribed for management of PMS.
Reviewing Author
DisclosuresConsultant/Advisory BoardAicuris; Bayer; GSK; Innovative Molecules; Merck; MAPP Biopharmaceutical (Safety Monitoring Committee)
RoyaltiesUpToDate
Grant/Research SupportNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases; GSK; Moderna; Assembly Biomedical; Aicuris
Editorial BoardsSexually Transmitted Diseases; Sexually Transmitted Infections; Journal of Infectious Diseases
Leadership PositionsID Division Chiefs Community of Practice (At-Large Member)
DisclosuresConsultant/Advisory BoardAicuris; Bayer; GSK; Innovative Molecules; Merck; MAPP Biopharmaceutical (Safety Monitoring Committee)
RoyaltiesUpToDate
Grant/Research SupportNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases; GSK; Moderna; Assembly Biomedical; Aicuris
Editorial BoardsSexually Transmitted Diseases; Sexually Transmitted Infections; Journal of Infectious Diseases
Leadership PositionsID Division Chiefs Community of Practice (At-Large Member)
Citation(s):
Chocano-Bedoya PO et al. Dietary B vitamin intake and incident premenstrual syndrome. Am J Clin Nutr 2011 May; 93:1080.
Comment
Several studies have shown benefits, albeit inconsistent, of using vitamin B supplements to treat PMS. This study suggests that high dietary intake of thiamine and riboflavin is associated with diminished risk for PMS. However, my enthusiasm for the findings is dimmed by the lack of correction for multiple comparisons, strong correlations among intake of individual B vitamins, and exclusion of women without PMS who reported any menstrual symptoms besides PMS. In general, women should be counseled to consume a wide variety of foods that contain high levels of B vitamins, such as seafood, legumes, and green leafy vegetables, as part of a healthy diet.