Premenstrual Syndrome, Ultra-Processed Food Intake, and Food Cravings: A New Perspective
Mahmut Bodur1, Nursena Ersoy-Söke2, Emine Karademir3
1Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Faculty of Health Sciences Ankara University Ankara Turkey.
Food Science & Nutrition
|July 1, 2025
Summary
Young women with premenstrual syndrome (PMS) consume more ultra-processed foods (UPFs) and experience greater food cravings. Dietary changes, focusing on UPF reduction and craving management, are crucial for PMS symptom relief.
Area of Science:
- Nutritional Science
- Women's Health
- Psychology
Background:
- Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) affects a significant portion of women of reproductive age.
- Dietary patterns, including ultra-processed food (UPF) consumption and food cravings, may influence PMS symptoms.
- Understanding these relationships is crucial for developing effective management strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between premenstrual syndrome (PMS) prevalence, ultra-processed food (UPF) consumption, and food cravings in young adult women.
- To identify dietary factors contributing to PMS symptom severity.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study involving 230 young adult women over one menstrual cycle.
- Assessment of PMS symptoms using the Premenstrual Syndrome Scale.
- Evaluation of food cravings with the Food Craving Questionnaire-Trait and UPF intake via dietary records.
Main Results:
- The prevalence of PMS was 61.3% among participants.
- Women with PMS reported significantly higher UPF consumption and food craving scores.
- UPF intake was significantly higher in women with PMS during the menstrual phase (1042 kcal vs. 635 kcal).
- Food cravings and UPF consumption were significant determinants of PMS scores.
Conclusions:
- Excessive UPF consumption and increased food cravings are associated with premenstrual syndrome symptoms.
- Dietary interventions for PMS should consider menstrual cycle variations, UPF intake, and craving management.
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