Comparison of the effect of carbohydrate rich supplement and diet on premenstrual syndrome

Abstract

Background: Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is one of the most common disorders in women in reproductive age. The study aimed to assess the effect of carbohydrate-rich supplements and diets on premenstrual syndrome. Methods: The study was conducted within two stages. First stage was descriptive cross sectional investigation to find out frequency and subjects diagnosed as PMS according to the APA criteria’s. 80 subjects were confirmed and selected for clinical trial. The second stage was cross over interventional study. Subjects were allocated into three groups; high carbohydrate diet, protein diet and carbohydrate supplements. All participants asked to follow the study protocol for three month and fill in Premenstrual Daily Syndrome Dairy questionnaires. Results: 76 participants completed the study and results revealed that PMS and its symptom’s intensity (mood, behavioral and physical) decrease significantly using high carbohydrate supplements and diets (p= 0.001) and carbohydrate supplement was more effective than high carbohydrate diet (p= 0.001). Both carbohydrate supplements and high carbohydrate diet had same effect on anger, depression and appetite. Conclusion: The study concluded that consumption of carbohydrate supplements and high carbohydrate diet is recommended. Further researches need to be done regarding to positive effect of protein supplement on PMS.