Study - PMS symptoms reduced by Krill based formulation

Most of us have had PMS at some point in our lives, but if you’re one of the 60% of women who regularly suffer, a new study suggests a supplement could help. A specially formulated krill oil for women supplement has been shown to be effective in reducing 10 of the most common psychological and physical symptoms of PMS by an average of 44%. Researchers found that the unique combination of krill oil and vitamins reduced bloating, fatigue and headaches over the course of three months. Plus, krill oil is packed with omega 3 which brings a host of other health benefits.

A new study has indicated that a unique combination of ingredients in a krill oil supplement may be effective at reducing 10 of the most common psychological and physical symptoms of PMS by an average of 44%. 

The study was conducted over four months with 29 women who suffered from some or all of the symptoms listed in the table below. The results indicated that improvements ranged from between 10 – 80% after 90 days of supplementation and every one of the women reported some improvement.  Furthermore, it was shown that those participants with the most severe symptoms appeared to benefit the most with all symptoms reducing by at least an average of 59%.  The greatest improvement for all women on average was in breast tenderness with those experiencing the most severe tenderness indicating an improvement of 81%!

PMS affects a huge number of women with one of the largest European studies estimating that up to 60% of women of reproductive age suffer with some symptoms of PMS.  The Royal College of Gynaecologists provide a template for treatment of PMS1with initial interventions including such suggestions as exercise, cognitive behaviour therapy and vitamin B6 through more potent forms of intervention like SSRI’s, estradiol patches and oral progesterone to, in the most severe cases, total abdominal hysterectomy and bilateral oophorectomy plus hormone replacement therapy.  

The study’s author, Michael Wakeman notes “there is a justified role and possibly, responsibility to use a natural approach and/or dietary interventions as first line strategies in the management of PMS in order to spare the patient the potential side effects and hazards associated with the latter stages of the (treatments suggested)”

In the UK 45% of prescriptions for PMS are for psychotropic medications, 21% for hormones, 9% for analgesics and 16% for other medications, yet only 9% for vitamins.2

This study adds weight to the call for further research into the effect Omega 3 from Krill Oil added together with vitamins and phytonutrients can have in the relief of symptoms of PMS.

The specific formulation used for the study incorporated vitamins and phytonutrients that have all been associated with improvements in PMS symptoms but this is the first study into the effects of combining all these in a single presentation. 

• Omega 3 from Pure Antarctic Krill Oil
• B Vitamins
• Soy Isoflavones
• Rosemary Extract
• Vitamin D3

The formulation used in the study containing these ingredients was Cleanmarine Krill Oil for Women

Wakeman concludes “The results suggest Cleanmarine Krill Oil for Women represents a likely safe and effective first stage intervention for PMS and is worthy of further investigation” 

For further information contact:

David Gunning

Marketing Manager

Cleanmarine Krill Oil

0113 388 5249

david@savant-health.com

Notes for editors:

The study

The inclusion criteria established that the women participating had previously been diagnosed with PMS according to ICD-10 (International Classification of Diseases 10threvision) criteria and were still experiencing typical symptoms at the commencement of supplementation.  Women who were pregnant or breastfeeding, on concomitant anticoagulant therapy, receiving psychotherapy, experiencing alcohol or drug dependence, on sex hormones except for oral contraceptives, with a known seafood allergy or diagnosed with dementia, pituitary disease or serious medical condition or taking any prescribed medication for PMS were not eligible for enrolment.  Patients taking dietary supplements or vitamins were asked to stop for 2 weeks prior to the trial and those taking Omega 3 fatty acid supplements were excluded from the trial.

29 women were selected with a mean age of 27 and all were asked not to make any adjustments to their regular diets during the trial except for adding the supplement.  Screening ensured that all participants had experienced symptoms for 2 months immediately prior to the commencement of the trial.  They then completed a self-assessment questionnaire over the following month ranking the 10 symptoms above for severity.  They then answered the same questionnaire during each of the next 3 months.  They consumed 2 x 500mg capsules per day for three months.

----------------

Why the combination of ingredients?

Omega 3

There is significant data positively correlating Omega 3 with brain function and a number of clinical trials identifying a positive effect on depression, anxiety and enhanced mood.  One study has been undertaken specifically on Omega 3 and PMS with 184 patients which demonstrated that the mean severity of depression, anxiety, lack of concentration and bloating were significantly lower than in the case of the control group.

A trial comparing the effectiveness of Krill oil versus Fish oil for PMS identified a significantly enhanced improvement as a result of taking krill oil over fish oil. 

B Vitamins

Has been shown to reduce psychological symptoms in PMDD, a severe form of PMS and a review of nine studies containing 490 patients demonstrated that Vitamin B6 is effective in relieving overall symptoms of PMS.

Soy Isoflavones

Intake of Soy Isoflavones has been demonstrated to be inversely proportional to the incidence of PMS symptoms, particularly menstrual migraine and breast tenderness.

Rosemary Extract

Has traditionally been used to elicit an anti-depressive effect

Vitamin D3

Women reporting vitamin D intake of more than 100 IU per day have shown a 70% lower incidence of PMS whilst lower levels of Vitamin D have been shown to be associated with a higher incidence of mood disorders in PMS

----------------

References

Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists.  Premenstrual Syndrome Management (Green-top). London: Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists; 2007. Available from http://rcog.or.uk/files/rcog-corp/uploaded-files/GT48ManagementpremenstrualSyndrome.pdf. Accessed August 26 2013Weisz G, Knaapen L. Diagnosing and treating premenstrual syndrome in five western nations. Social Sci Med. 2009;68:1498-1505

About Cleanmarine Krill Oil

Cleanmarine Krill Oil is the UK's first and only Krill Oil certified by the Marine Stewardship Council as being fished from a sustainable and well managed fishery.

Cleanmarine Krill Oil  provides the next generation of Omega 3 supplement providing EPA and DHA in a superior form to that of fish oils and in a convenient, small one a day capsule.

Whether you supplement your diet with Omega 3 for heart health, brain function, vision or joint health or are an athlete seeking to obtain superior recovery and mental alertness Cleanmarine® Krill Oil is the smart choice for Omega 3

~ Better Omega 3 absorption and more effective than fish oils

~ Sustainably and ethically fished 

~ No fishy repeat!

Tags: