Which vitamins can help with PMS (premenstrual syndrome)? Research has shown that a number of vitamins can be effective in treating PMS symptoms.
Vitamin E is very beneficial in addressing a number of PMS symptoms, particularly cramping, pain and mood. Vitamin E is an antioxidant vitamin found in many fruits and vegetables, but also in a number of oils, evening primrose oils in particular, which is known to be a tried and tested PMS remedy.
For PMS the B vitamins, B6 and B12 specifically, are also thought to help in regulating mood swings, so take eat plenty pulses, beans, green vegetables (spinach and broccoli in particular) and breads and cereals fortified with these vitamins (which are also good for keeping cravings at bay as rich sources of complex carbohydrates). The use of vitamin B6 as a treatment for PMS is still controversial. Excessive amounts of this vitamin can lead to nerve damage. To ensure safety, as with any vitamin supplement, never exceed the RDA (recommended daily allowance as set by the FDA) and ideally, only take vitamins under the guidance of your doctor, for PMS or any other reason.
Of course there's nothing better than deriving the vitamins we need from the fresh foods in which they're naturally found. In a fast paced modern world were we often have to eat on the run, this is not always possible. This is where good quality vitamin supplements provide an alternative means to ensuring we provide our bodies with all the required vitamins, not just during PMS, but in general.
