Vitamin B Supplementation May Reduce PMS Symptoms

A study found that taking a daily dose of vitamin B - often in the form of spinach or cereals fortified with the nutrient - can reduce the achiness and moodiness associated with the PMS.Keeping one’s levels of dietary vitamins and nutrients high can have numerous positive health effects, health experts have found. One of these benefits is a significant lessening of the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS), according to recent research.

A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition has found that taking a daily dose of vitamin B—often in the form of spinach or cereals fortified with the nutrient—can reduce the achiness and moodiness associated with the condition.

Two forms of the vitamin in particular, thiamine and riboflavin—also known as vitamins B1 and B2—appeared to help the most. Researchers noted that women who reported consuming at least 2 milligrams (mg) of thiamine and 2.5 mg of riboflavin were less likely to experience severe PMS.

The team theorized that the effect was due to vitamin B complex’s role in neurotransmitters that may be involved in the appearance of PMS.

B vitamins are necessary for countless bodily processes. The American Cancer Society (ACS) states that B vitamins help the body grow, regulate its cell functions and produce a whole host of vital enzymes. Taking a vitamin supplement may keep levels of this nutrient within a healthy range.