Premenstrual Syndrome, Ultra-Processed Food Intake, and Food Cravings: A New Perspective

To investigate the relationship between premenstrual syndrome (PMS) prevalence, ultra-processed food (UPF) consumption, and food cravings in young adult women. A cross-sectional study was conducted over one menstrual cycle, utilizing the Premenstrual Syndrome Scale to assess PMS symptoms and the Food Craving Questionnaire-Trait to evaluate food cravings. Dietary data, including UPF consumption, were collected through self-reported dietary records. The study was carried out among young adult women, focusing on their dietary behaviors and menstrual health. A total of 230 women participated in the study, with a mean age of 20.6 ± 1.8 years. The prevalence of PMS was 61.3% among the participants. Women with PMS reported significantly higher UPF consumption and increased food craving scores compared to those without PMS. UPF energy intake during the menstrual phase was significantly higher in women with PMS (1042.0 ± 30.6 kcal vs. 635.6 ± 41.3 kcal, p < 0.001). Multiple linear regression analysis identified food cravings (B = 0.468, p < 0.001) and UPF consumption (B = 0.018, p = 0.022) as significant determinants of PMS scores. Excessive consumption of UPFs and increased food cravings are associated with PMS symptoms. These findings highlight the necessity of considering menstrual-related variations in dietary interventions, particularly with regard to the consumption of UPF and the management of cravings.