Effect of calcium and vitamin B1 on the severity of premenstrual syndrome: A randomized control trial

Abstract

Background: Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a disorder characterized by Physical and psychological symptoms and often occur between 10 to 14 days prior to menstruation and end shortly after the onset of menstruation. It can negatively affect women’s daily activities. Recent studies demonstrate that calcium and vitamin B1 can reduce the symptoms of PMS. The aim of this study was to compare the effect of calcium,vitamin B1 and placebo on treatment of PMS in students residing at dormitories of Ilam University of Medical Sciences in 2016. Materials and Methods: In this four-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial,264 students with PMS residing at dormitories of Ilam University of Medical Sciences were divided randomly into four groups,1) received vitamin B1,2) received calcium,3) received vitamin B1 plus calcium and 4) received placebo. All samples took pills once daily for 2 successive menstrual cycles and completed the questionnaires. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics,Paired t-test and the independent t-test. Results: Our results showed that after treatment,severity of PMS symptoms reduced significantly in all groups (p<0.001). However,comparison of the severity of PMS symptoms between intervention groups and the placebo groupafter intervention revealed that,there was a significant difference in this respect (P < 0. 001). Furthermore,mean reduction of PMS symptoms in Vitamin B1 plus calcium group was more than other groups. Conclusion: According to our findings,treatment with vitamin B1 or calcium reduces the severity PMS symptoms but concurrent use of both vitamin B1 plus calcium is more effective in reducing PMS symptoms. Therefore,this treatment can be used to reach a major goal of midwifery,by decreasing the severity of PMS symptom. © 2016,International Journal of Pharmacy and Technology. All rights reserved.