Essential Fatty Acids Eases Premenstrual Syndrome

The Chiro.Org Blog

SOURCE:   NHI OnDemand

A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study published in the journal Reproductive Health evaluated the effectiveness and safety of a supplement containing essential fatty acids and vitamins for the treatment of PMS and to assess effectiveness on prolactin and total cholesterol levels.

The researchers recruited 120 women with PMS and were divided into 3 groups that received either 1 or 2 grams of the supplement or placebo for six months using the Prospective Record of the Impact and Severity of Menstruation (PRISM) calendar. The actual dosage per one-gram serving included 210 mg of gamma linolenic acid, 175 mg of oleic acid, 345 mg of linoleic acid, 250 mg of other polyunsaturated acids, and 20 mg of vitamin E.

The results were the group treated with 2 grams of supplement experienced the most significant reduction in the PRISM score the next significant reduction was in the group taking 1 gram of supplement. The placebo group experienced the least reduction in PRISM score. There were no statistically significant differences in prolactin or total cholesterol levels after six months of treatment.

In conclusion the authors stated “The difference between the groups using the supplements and the placebo group with respect to the improvement in symptomatology appears to indicate the effectiveness of the supplement mixture. Improvement in symptoms was higher when the 2-gram dose was used. This medication was not associated with any changes in prolactin or total cholesterol levels in these women.”

You will find more articles at:

The Omega-3 Fatty Acid Page and the

Gamma-Linolenic Acid (GLA) Page

REFERENCES:

  1. 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 (Jan 17); 8 (1): 2