Essential Fatty Acids Supplementation Prevents PMS

Essential Fatty Acids Supplementation Prevents PMS


A mix of essential fatty acids (EFA) has been shown to significantly reduce thesymptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS).

Researchers writing in BioMedCentral's open access journal Reproductive Health tested the EFA tablets by carrying out a randomised, controlled trial in 120 women.

Researchers from the Federal University of Pernambuco, Brazil, conducted the tests. They reported "The administration of 1 or 2 grams of essential fatty acids to patients with PMS resulted in a significant decrease in symptom scores. The administration of the dietary supplement did not result in any changes in the total cholesterol in the patients evaluated."

Women who were given supplements containing 2 grams of a combination of gamma linolenic acid, oleic acid, linoleic acid, other polyunsaturated acids and vitamin E reported significantly eased PMS symptoms at both 3 and 6 months after they began the treatment. Few adverse events were recorded and these were mild, insignificant and did not appear to be directly related to the medication.

Speaking about the results, the researchers said, "The negative effect of PMS on a woman's routine activities and quality of life may be significant, in addition to the repercussions on economic costs resulting predominantly from a reduction in productivity. Essential [fatty acids] supplementation can now be said to show much promise as a treatment."

Journal Reference: Essential fatty acids for premenstrual syndrome and their effect on prolactin and total cholesterol levels: a randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled study. Reproductive Health, 2011
Editor's Note: This article is not intended to provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
Article courtesy of Vitamin Power