A synergistic effect of a daily supplement for 1 month of 200 mg magnesium plus 50 mg vitamin B6 for the relief of anxiety-related premenstrual symptoms: a randomized, double-blind, crossover study
De Souza MC, Walker AF, Robinson PA, Bolland K
Published in Journal of Womens Health and Gender-Based Medicine
Methodology
Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled Latin-square crossover; four one-cycle treatment periods; daily 5-point symptom diary of 30 symptoms grouped into six categories; urinary Mg/creatinine ratio.
Key Findings
44 women (mean age 32) each took 200 mg magnesium, 50 mg vitamin B6, both, and placebo for one menstrual cycle each in a Latin-square crossover. ANOVA showed no overall difference between the individual treatments, but a predefined factorial contrast found the magnesium plus B6 combination significantly reduced anxiety-related premenstrual symptoms (nervous tension, mood swings, irritability, anxiety; p = 0.040). Magnesium alone and B6 alone showed no significant effect, and 24-hour urinary magnesium output was unchanged, suggesting poor absorption from magnesium oxide.
Conclusions
Magnesium plus vitamin B6 produced a small synergistic reduction in mild anxiety-related premenstrual symptoms; the effect was modest and needs replication.
Limitations
Small sample and only one cycle per treatment; the significant result came from a predefined subgroup contrast rather than the overall analysis, and the authors note magnesium oxide is poorly absorbed so longer dosing may be needed.
Supplements Studied
A small synergistic effect of a daily dietary supplementation with a combination of Mg + vitamin B6 in the reduction of mild premenstrual anxiety-related symptoms was demonstrated during treatment of 44 women for one menstrual cycle.
A small synergistic effect of a daily dietary supplementation with a combination of Mg + vitamin B6 in the reduction of mild premenstrual anxiety-related symptoms was demonstrated during treatment of 44 women for one menstrual cycle.
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Study Details
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