Related Experiment Videos
Effect of nutrient intake on premenstrual depression
J J Wurtman1, A Brzezinski, R J Wurtman
1Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge.
American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology
|November 1, 1989
Summary
Women with premenstrual syndrome (PMS) experience increased carbohydrate cravings and intake during the luteal phase, potentially to improve mood. A carbohydrate-rich meal temporarily improved PMS symptoms.
Area of Science:
- Nutritional Psychiatry
- Women's Health
- Mood Disorders
Background:
- Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) is associated with mood disturbances and appetite changes.
- Carbohydrate craving is a commonly reported PMS symptom.
- Brain serotonin levels, influenced by carbohydrate intake, play a role in mood regulation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between depressed mood and excessive carbohydrate intake in women with severe PMS.
- To assess the impact of carbohydrate-rich meals on mood and cognitive symptoms in PMS patients.
Main Methods:
- Inpatient study comparing 19 PMS patients and 9 controls during early follicular and late luteal menstrual phases.
- Mood assessed using Hamilton Depression Scale and a custom addendum.
- Direct measurement of calorie and nutrient intake, including meals and snacks.
Main Results:
- PMS patients significantly increased calorie and carbohydrate intake during the luteal phase.
- Mood scores (depression, fatigue, etc.) worsened significantly in PMS patients during the luteal phase.
- A carbohydrate-rich meal improved various mood and cognitive symptoms in PMS patients during the luteal phase.
Conclusions:
- PMS patients may overconsume carbohydrates to self-medicate dysphoric mood states.
- Carbohydrate intake influences brain serotonin synthesis, potentially explaining the mood-appetite connection in PMS.
- Targeted dietary interventions, like carbohydrate-rich meals, may alleviate PMS-related mood symptoms.