Dietary patterns are associated with premenstrual syndrome: evidence from a case-control study

Abstract

Objectives:Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a common cyclic psychological and somatic disorder which reduces women’s quality of life. Evidence regarding the association between dietary patterns (DPs) and PMS is rare. The study aimed to determine the relationship between dietary patterns and PMS.Design:The case-control study was conducted among women with confirmed PMS and healthy individuals recruited from healthcare centres.Setting:Dietary data were collected using a validated semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire and DPs were derived using principal component analysis. The association between DPs and likelihood of PMS was determined using logistic regression.Participants:In total, 225 women with PMS and 334 healthy participants aged 20–46 years took part in the study.Results:Three major DPs were identified: (i) ‘western DP’ characterized by high intake of fast foods, soft drink, and processed meats; (ii) ‘traditional DP’ in which eggs, tomato sauce, fruits, and red meat were highly loaded; and (iii) ‘healthy DP’ high in dried fruits, condiments and nuts. After taking all possible confounders into account, individuals in the highest tertile of the western DP were more likely to experience PMS (odds ratio (OR) = 1·49; 95 % CI: 1·01, 3·52), P < 0·001), whilst both healthy and traditional DP was inversely associated with the syndrome (OR = 0·31; 95 % CI: 0·17, 0·72, P = 0·02; OR = 0·33; 95 % CI: 0·14, 0·77, P = 0·01, respectively).Conclusion:The western dietary patterns were positively associated with PMS, whilst the healthy and traditional dietary patterns were inversely associated with it. Further longitudinal studies are required to confirm our findings.

Association among Premenstrual Syndrome, Dietary Patterns, and Adherence to Mediterranean Diet

“…Dietary factors are influential but modifiable parameters that can be included in the management of PMS, and several studies have found a significant association between dietary habit and PMS [5,26]. A study conducted in the United Arab Emirates reported a high prevalence of PMS among university students with high calorie/fat/sugar/salt food consumption [26].…”

“…A study conducted in the United Arab Emirates reported a high prevalence of PMS among university students with high calorie/fat/sugar/salt food consumption [26]. Western dietary pattern, which is characterized by high consumption of fast foods, soft drink, and desserts, is significantly associated with a higher likelihood of PMS, whereas healthy and traditional dietary pattern is associated with a lower risk [5,9]. The MD is rich in high-complex carbohydrate and monounsaturated fatty acids, rather than simple sweets and saturated and trans-fatty acids [10,11].…”

“…Although the exact etiology of PMS remains unknown, the symptoms may be related to hormonal variations [4]. Genetic backgrounds, psychosocial factors, and lifestyle factors such as aerobic exercise and dietary pattern are known to associated with prevalence of PMS [1,[5][6][7]. For example, excessive consumption of sweet-tasting food, fast food, deep-fried meals, coffee, and alcohol are significantly associated with the development of PMS [8,9].…”

Association of Diet, Quality of Life and Premenstrual Syndrome; A Review

“…26 A study published in 'Public Health Nutrition', has documented that diet rich in eggs, tomatoes, meat, fruits, condiments and nuts is associated with alleviating the symptoms of PMS. 27 Bahrami has reported that intake of vitamin D is associated with protective effects that can help prevent symptoms of premenstrual syndrome. 28 Results of a double blind controlled trial in Iran, has stated that Vitamin D and E are both beneficial in relieving the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome.…”

“…The western diet which includes burgers, soft drink and processed meat contributes in the development of PMS with highly significant p value of <0.001. 27 Various studies have observed the effects of caffeine in the diet. A research has documented that caffeine in the diet not only cause the PMS but also prolongs its duration.…”