Effect of a nutritional supplement, optivite, on symptoms of premenstrual tension

Using a menstrual symptom questionnaire (MSQ) to assess the presence and severity of premenstrual tension (PMT), we evaluated the effect of a nutritional supplement, Optivite, on PMT symptoms in 31 patients for the week after the period (F) and the week before it (L). The total MSQ scores decreased significantly in all patients after Optivite administration at a daily dose of 3-12 tablets for one to six menstrual cycles. The mean +/- S.E. total MSQ scores were F = 8.1 +/- 1.8 and L = 31.5 +/- 2.1 for control cycles and F = 2.3 +/- 0.72 and L = 10.3 +/- 1.4 for treated cycles. The best responses were observed in patients taking 6-12 tablets/day for three or more cycles. If these results can be confirmed by well-controlled studies, this simple and safe nutritional approach can be recommended in the initial management of PMT.