The Pharmaceutical Journal Vol 267 No 7174 p701-706
17 November 2001

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Magnesium and vitamin B₆ supplements relieve premenstrual symptoms

Daily supplementation with magnesium and vitamin B₆ could be beneficial in the relief of some premenstrual symptoms, according to Dr Ann Walker, senior lecturer in nutrition, University of Reading and member of the Health Supplement Information Services' (HSIS) Advisory Panel.

Dr Walker and colleagues investigated the effects of daily supplementation with 200mg magnesium oxide on alleviating premenstrual symptoms. A double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study was conducted in 38 women over two menstrual cycles. Women were asked to keep a daily diary that listed symptoms grouped into six categories including anxiety, craving, depression and hydration.

The results showed that in the second month, there was a greater reduction in symptoms of hydration — weight gain, swelling of extremities, breast tenderness and abdominal bloating — in the magnesium group compared with the placebo group (P=0.009).

A further study investigated the single and combined effects of taking a daily dietary supplement of 50mg vitamin B₆ and 200mg magnesium oxide. This double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study involved 44 women for one menstrual cycle. The results showed that supplementation with a combination of magnesium and vitamin B₆ reduced mild anxiety-related premenstrual symptoms such as nervous tension, mood swings, irritability or anxiety (P=0.040). The authors acknowledge that, in view of the modest effects found in this trial, further studies are required before general recommendations regarding the treatment of premenstrual symptoms can be made.

Speaking at an HSIS meeting, where the results of the studies were presented, Dr Walker said: "Premenstrual symptoms can be regarded as symptoms of a deficiency." Many of the symptoms of marginal magnesium deficiency, including muscle cramps, mood changes and nervous irritability, are the same as premenstrual symptoms.

A previous study in the United States has shown the benefits of calcium supplementation in treating premenstrual symptoms. Dr Walker recommends that if calcium and magnesium are given in combination to women deficient in these nutrients then they should be in a 2:1 ratio. She added that magnesium citrate is better absorbed than magnesium oxide.

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