PMS? You May Need More B Vitamins

Paula Gallagher on
Women who experience PMS may benefit from more B vitamins.

Do you suffer from PMS? Research has shown that boosting your intake of foods rich in B vitamins can significantly lower the odds you'll suffer from premenstrual syndrome. PMS is a collection of symptoms affecting women in their reproductive years that generally appear within 2 weeks prior to their period. Symptoms of PMS can vary greatly and may be emotional, psychological or physical in nature. Some of the more common symptoms include:

  • Abdominal pain
  • Headaches
  • Breast tenderness
  • Bloating
  • Irritability
  • Depression
  • Tension
  • Anxiety
  • Lack of energy
  • Angry outbursts
  • Withdrawal

A whopping 95% of women in their reproductive years experience at least some of these symptoms each month. In 5% of women, these symptoms are so severe that they negatively impact their health, ability to function at work, and the quality of their relationships with others.

In one study, U.S. researchers followed 6,000 healthy women for 10 years during which time they were asked about their diet, supplement use and presence of PMS symptoms. After 10 years, 1,057 women were confirmed to have PMS. A high intake of two B vitamins from foods – thiamin (B1) and riboflavin (B2) – was associated with a significantly lower risk of developing PMS.

Tips to Reduce PMS Symptoms

Here are some lifestyle and dietary changes that can help with PMS.

    1. Eat complex carbohydrates

    Whole grains, sweet potatoes, legumes, fruit and starchy vegetables improve mood and reduce food cravings. It's thought these foods help increase the level of serotonin in the brain.

    2. Cut down on sodium

    Cutting salt can reduce fluid retention, bloating and weight gain.

    3. Increase calcium

    Women who consume about 1,200 mg of calcium a day from their diet have a 30% lower risk of developing PMS symptoms. Clinical trials have also shown that giving women 1,000 to 1,200 mg of supplemental calcium a day for 3 months significantly improved mood swings, fluid retention, food cravings and painful cramps.

    4. More magnesium

    Women who take 360 mg of supplemental magnesium a day report better mood and less fluid retention. The mineral may also reduce premenstrual migraines. Magnesium-rich foods include spinach, Swiss chard, kale, almonds, peanuts, cashews, lentils, soybeans, tofu, wheat bran and yogurt.

      5. B vitamins

      Taking 100 mg of B6 a day seems to decrease overall PMS symptoms, especially depression. B6 is needed for the production of neurotransmitters that effect mood. You can find this amount in a supplement that contains all other B vitamins. Do not exceed 100mg – in this case, more is not better and can even be toxic. Stick to 100 mg or less.

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