Good news for the pre-menstrually challenged among us! Recent research suggests women with high intakes of B vitamins from food sources have a lower risk of PMS.
The true prevalence of PMS is unknown, but it has been estimated that it affects 15% of women of reproductive age in the United States.
A case-control study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition evaluated whether B vitamin intake from food sources had a reduction in PMS.
Dietary information from approximately 3,000 women was collected over a 10-year period.
The study authors observed a significantly lower risk of PMS in women with high intakes of thiamine and riboflavin (vitamin B1 and vitamin B2) from food sources.
The authors also concluded that food sources of B vitamins are well absorbed and are also naturally high in calcium and vitamin D - both of which are also beneficial in their role in preventing PMS.
Foods high in vitamin B1
Wheat germ
Rice germ
Sardines
Egg yolk
Cheese
Fortified foods
Foods high in vitamin B2
Milk
Dairy products
Cereals
Nuts
Do you suffer from the dreaded PMS?