The relationship between serum vitamin D level and premenstrual syndrome in Iranian women

Micronutrient intake and premenstrual syndrome in female collegiate athletes

BACKGROUND

In non-athletic populations micronutrient consumption is associated with premenstrual syndrome (PMS). PMS can be a debilitating condition for female athletes as it may affect their performance and training. This study investigated potential differences in select micronutrients' intake in female athletes with or without PMS.

METHODS

Participants were thirty NCAA Division I eumenorrheic female athletes ages 18-22 years not using oral contraceptives. Participants were classified with or without PMS using the Premenstrual Symptoms Screen tool. Participants completed dietary logs (two weekdays and one weekend day) one week before their projected menstruation. Logs were analyzed for caloric, macronutrient, food sources, and vitamin D, Mg, and Zn intake. Non-parametric independent T-Tests determined differences in the median and Mann-Whitney U tests determined differences in the distribution between groups.

RESULTS

23% of the 30 athletes showed PMS. There were no significant (P>0.22) for all comparisons) differences between groups for daily kilocalories (2150 vs. 2142 kcals), carbohydrates (278 vs. 271g), protein (90 vs. 100.2g), fats (77 vs. 77.2g), grains (224.0 vs. 182.6g), dairy (172.4 vs. 161.0g). vegetables (95.3 vs. 263.1g), or fruits (204.1 vs. 156.5g). A statistical trend (P=0.08) indicated differences in vitamin D intake (39.4 vs. 66.0 IU), but not for Mg (205.0 vs. 173.0 mg), or Zn (11.0 vs. 7.0mg) between groups.

CONCLUSIONS

No association was found between Mg, and Zn intake and PMS. However, lower vitamin D intake tended to be associated with presenting PMS in female athletes. Further studies should include vitamin D status to clarify this potential association.

The Association Between Vitamin D and Premenstrual Syndrome: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Current Literature

A number of studies have assessed the association between vitamin D and premenstrual syndrome (PMS) in different populations, but the findings have been inconclusive. Herein, we systematically reviewed available observational and interventional evidence to elucidate the overall relationship between vitamin D and PMS. PubMed, Cochrane Library, ScienceDirect, Scopus, Google Scholar, and ISI Web of Science databases were searched for all available articles until September 2018. The Newcastle-Ottawa quality assessment scale and Jadad scale were used to assess the quality of the observational and interventional studies, respectively. A total of 16 studies out of 196 met our inclusion criteria and were included in the final analysis. Although no significant association between serum 25(OH)D and PMS (weighted mean difference (WMD) = 3.35; 95% confidence interval, -7.80 to 1.11; p = 0.14) was indicated in observational studies, vitamin D supplementation was effective in ameliorating PMS symptoms based upon findings from interventional studies. These results add to the existing literature supporting the fact that nutrition, especially vitamin D, plays an important role in women's health. Additional well-designed clinical trials should be considered in future research to develop firm conclusions on the efficacy of vitamin D on PMS. KEY TEACHING POINTS 5-8% of women experience severe PMS. Nutrition especially vitamin D plays an important role in the women's health. Vitamin D could exert significant clinical effects on PMS symptoms. This is a systematic review and meta-analysis in this regard.

A systematic review of the role of vitamin D and calcium in premenstrual syndrome

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a common disorder that affects millions of women of reproductive age worldwide. In recent years, there has been a focus on finding accessible, acceptable, and cost-effective therapeutic approaches with minimal side effects to treat the symptoms of PMS. This systematic review aimed to investigate the role of calcium and vitamin D in Premenstrual syndrome. The PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, Scopus, Science Direct, and Google Scholar databases were systematically searched for relevant articles from clinical trial, case-control, and cross-sectional studies. The Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology checklist was used to assess the quality of the selected papers. A total of 28 eligible high-quality papers were reviewed. Low serum levels of calcium and vitamin D during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle were found to cause or exacerbate the symptoms of PMS. Therefore, the administration of calcium and vitamin D supplements or the use of a diet rich in these two substances can restore serum levels and eliminate or reduce the symptoms of PMS. Calcium and vitamin D supplementation are recommended as an inexpensive, low-risk, acceptable, and accessible approach to eliminate or reduce the symptoms of PMS.

Association between Vitamin D Status and Premenstrual Symptoms

BACKGROUND

Premenstrual symptoms are experienced by up to 95% of women, and few treatments are available. Previous studies suggest that 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) may be associated with the severity of premenstrual symptoms, but the findings have been inconclusive.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to determine whether vitamin D status is associated with the severity of individual premenstrual symptoms.

DESIGN/PARTICIPANTS

Cross-sectional analysis of 998 women aged 20 to 29 years recruited at the University of Toronto campus from 2004 through 2010.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Participants provided data on their premenstrual symptoms in a premenstrual symptom questionnaire. Fasting overnight blood samples were collected, and plasma 25(OH)D was measured. Participants with plasma 25(OH)D concentrations <20 ng/mL were considered to have inadequate vitamin D status, and those with ≥20 ng/mL, adequate vitamin D status.

STATISTICAL ANALYSES PERFORMED

Multinomial logistic regressions were used to calculate the odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval for the associations between vitamin D status and the severity of 15 premenstrual symptoms. Adjustments were made for age, body mass index, ethnicity/race, physical activity, hormonal contraceptive use, season of blood draw, use of analgesics, and calcium intake.

RESULTS

Compared with participants with adequate vitamin D status, those with inadequate vitamin D status had an increased risk (odds ratio [OR]; 95% CI) of experiencing the following mild symptoms: confusion (OR=1.72; 95% CI, 1.14 to 2.59) and desire to be alone (OR=1.47; 95% CI; 1.03 to 2.10), as well as the following moderate/severe symptoms: cramps (OR=1.50; 95% CI, 1.02 to 2.21), fatigue (OR=1.51; 95% CI, 1.04 to 2.21), anxiety (OR=1.63; 95% CI, 1.02 to 2.63), confusion (OR=2.23; 95% CI, 1.18 to 4.21), and sexual desire (OR=1.65; 95% CI, 1.09 to 2.51). Vitamin D status was not associated with other premenstrual symptoms (acne, bloating, mood swings, increased appetite, headache, clumsiness, insomnia, depression, or nausea).

CONCLUSION

Findings suggest that inadequate vitamin D status may be associated with increased severity of some, but not all, premenstrual symptoms.