The effect of nutrition education on premenstrual syndrome: Randomized controlled study

Abstract

Background

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a prevalent condition that impairs quality of life and daily functioning in young women, particularly university students.

Objectives

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of targeted nutrition education on PMS severity, nutrient intake, and anthropometric measures.

Methods

Eighty-three nursing students diagnosed with PMS (PMSS ≥111) were randomized into intervention (n = 43) and control (n = 40) groups. The intervention group received a 1-h nutrition education session, supported by follow-up emails at 30 and 60 days. PMS severity, dietary intake, and anthropometric data were collected at baseline and 4 months post-intervention.

Results

Nutrition education led to significant improvements in the intervention group. PMSS total scores decreased by 27.5 points (p < 0.05), with notable reductions across subscales such as depressive feelings, anxiety, irritability, depressive thoughts, appetite changes, and sleep disturbances. Concurrently, body weight (−1.2 kg; p < 0.05), BMI (−0.5 kg/m²; p < 0.05), waist circumference (−2.1 cm; p < 0.05), and hip circumference (−1.5 cm; p < 0.05) significantly declined. Nutrient intake improved significantly, with increases in protein (+11.4 g/day), vitamin B2 (+0.3 mg/day), calcium (+184.3 mg/day), iron (+1.1 mg/day), and zinc (+0.6 mg/day) (p < 0.05). No significant changes were observed in the control group.

Conclusions

Even a short-duration nutrition education intervention can substantially reduce PMS severity, improve dietary habits, and promote healthier body composition. These findings support incorporating nutrition counseling into PMS management as an effective, low-cost, non-pharmacological intervention.