Effects of calcium supplement therapy in women with premenstrual syndrome

source extracted confidence: high 2026-04-09
#adolescent #adult #appetite #calcium-carbonate #depression

Effects of calcium supplement therapy in women with premenstrual syndrome

Ghanbari et al., 2009 | Taiwan J Obstet Gynecol | Rct

Citation

Ghanbari Zinat, Haghollahi Fedieh, ... Ashrafi Maryam. Effects of calcium supplement therapy in women with premenstrual syndrome. Taiwan J Obstet Gynecol. 2009-Jun;48(2):124-9. doi:10.1016/S1028-4559(09)60271-0

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: Scientific evidence suggests that cyclic fluctuations in a variety of nutrients, especially calcium, may help to explain some features of premenstrual syndrome (PMS). We determined the efficacy of calcium supplementation in women suffering from PMS. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A double-blind clinical trial was designed to evaluate the effect of calcium supplement therapy on PMS symptoms. The study groups were selected from young female college students, based on PMS criteria. The subjects were divided in two groups; one group received placebo and the other received 500 mg of calcium carbonate twice daily for 3 months. The severity and intensity of symptoms, including early fatigability, changes in appetite, and depression, were evaluated using a standard questionnaire. Symptoms were compared before and after treatment. RESULTS: The mean age was 21.4 +/- 3.6 years. Early tiredness, appetite changes, and depressive symptoms were significantly improved in the group receiving calcium treatment compared with the placebo group. CONCLUSION: Our results showed that calcium supplements reduced early fatigability, changes in appetite, and depression in women with PMS.

Key Findings

The mean age was 21.4 +/- 3.6 years. Early tiredness, appetite changes, and depressive symptoms were significantly improved in the group receiving calcium treatment compared with the placebo group.

Outcomes Measured

  • depression

Population

Field Value
Population See abstract
Sample Size See abstract
Age Range See abstract
Condition depression

MeSH Terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Appetite
  • Calcium Carbonate
  • Depression
  • Double-Blind Method
  • Fatigue
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Placebos
  • Premenstrual Syndrome
  • Quality of Life
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Young Adult

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Rct
  • Publication Types: Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Vertical: calcium-pms

Provenance

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09