PMS Health Center

Calcium, Vitamin D in Diet May Prevent PMS

Best Calcium Sources

To give you an idea of how much calcium is in some calcium-rich foods, here are some examples:

• 1 cup of milk -- 300 milligrams
• 1/2 cup of broccoli -- 35 milligrams
• 1/2 cup of spinach -- 120 milligrams
• 1.5 ounces of cheddar cheese -- 300 milligrams
• 8 ounces of low-fat yogurt -- 300-415 milligrams
• 1 cup of calcium-fortified orange juice -- 300 milligrams

Bertone-Johnson and Bashuk both note that a study of this kind does not prove that calcium or vitamin D really prevents PMS. Only a clinical trial can do that. In the meantime, women may wish to consult their doctors about whether -- and how -- to get more calcium and vitamin D.

"I think it is something women can talk about with their doctors, whether they are thinking about increasing calcium and vitamin D to prevent PMS or to strengthen their bones," Bertone-Johnson says. "It is premature to suggest this is going to be the magic bullet to prevent PMS. But it is something women, after talking with their doctors, may want to incorporate into their diets."