Calcium carbonate and the premenstrual syndrome: effects on premenstrual and menstrual symptoms

Thys-Jacobs S, Starkey P, Bernstein D, Tian J

Published in American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology

Methodology

Multicentre randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled parallel-group trial of calcium carbonate 1,200 mg/day over three menstrual cycles with prospectively recorded daily symptom diaries covering 17 core PMS symptoms.

Key Findings

In 466 women with premenstrual syndrome, 1,200 mg/day of calcium carbonate for three menstrual cycles reduced overall symptom scores by about 48% versus 30% with placebo, with significant improvement in negative affect, water retention, food cravings and pain by the third cycle.

Conclusions

Calcium carbonate 1,200 mg daily produced a clinically meaningful reduction in premenstrual symptoms and remains one of the strongest supplement trials for PMS.

Limitations

Symptom diaries are subjective, gastrointestinal effects of calcium could partially unblind participants, only three cycles of treatment, and the trial was funded by a calcium product manufacturer.

Supplements Studied

Calcium

Mineral

Calcium supplementation is a simple and effective treatment in premenstrual syndrome, resulting in a major reduction in overall luteal phase symptoms.