Effect of zinc supplementation on quality of life and sleep quality in young women with premenstrual syndrome: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial

Abstract

Introduction Premenstrual syndrome is a prevalent disorder affecting a large number of women in their reproductive ages. Nutritional importance of zinc has been known for a long time and studies have shown that zinc can positively affect psychological disorders. Purpose The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of zinc supplementation on quality of life and sleep quality of young women diagnosed with premenstrual syndrome. Methods This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was carried out on 60 young university women that were allocated into two groups of intervention who took 30 mg/day of elemental zinc or placebo for three months. Pre- and post-intervention, participants completed the questionnaires of quality of life and Pittsburgh sleep quality. Results After supplementation, quality of life score in the intervention group was increased (+ 9.185 +/- 7.29, P < 0.001), however, in comparison with the control group, results were not significant; Physical aspects of quality of life score were significantly enhanced (+ 5.55 +/- 3.71 vs. + 0.13 +/- 2.87, P < 0.001). Sleep quality was marginally improved just in the zinc group (- 1.48 +/- 4.12, P = 0.07). Conclusion Zinc supplementation for 12 weeks had beneficial effects on physical aspects of quality of life in young women with premenstrual syndrome.