Dietary Patterns and Premenstrual Syndrome: A Cross-Sectional Study

Area of Science:

• Nutrition Science
• Women's Health
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) affects many women, and dietary factors are explored for potential influence.
• Understanding the relationship between dietary patterns and PMS is crucial for public health.
• Current research requires further investigation into specific dietary influences on PMS.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the cross-sectional association between major dietary patterns and premenstrual syndrome (PMS).
• To identify if specific dietary habits correlate with the prevalence or severity of PMS symptoms.
• To provide data for potential dietary interventions for PMS management.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study involving 427 women aged 22-50 years using a mail survey.
• Dietary patterns were identified using principal component analysis from a diet history questionnaire.
• Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) was assessed using the Premenstrual Symptoms Questionnaire; logistic regression analyzed associations.

Main Results:

• Four major dietary patterns were identified: vegetable, tomato and fish, Japanese, and alcohol.
• No statistically significant association was found between any of the identified dietary patterns and PMS.
• A trend suggested lower odds of PMS in women with the highest adherence to the vegetable dietary pattern (OR=0.69; 95% CI 0.30-1.59).

Conclusions:

• None of the identified major dietary patterns were significantly associated with premenstrual syndrome (PMS).
• A vegetable-rich dietary pattern showed a non-significant trend towards reduced PMS odds.
• Further research is needed to confirm the potential protective effect of vegetable-rich diets on PMS.