Abstract

This study was performed to investigate the correlation between Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and nutritional intake, blood composition of female students. One hundred and one female students were selected as the experimental subjects at Gyeongsang National University. To assess the PMS symptoms of the subjects, a questionnaire (PAF) score based on the methods of Halbreich, Endicor and Nee was prepared with 34 different items. Dietary survey was conducted by 24-hour recall method for 3 days and nutrient intakes were analyzed by the CAN-Pro. Blood composition of WBC, RBC, Hb, Hct, Ca and Mg was measured. The average height, weight and BMI of subjects were 160.7 +/- 4.6 cm, 54.1 +/- 5.7 kg and 21.2 +/- 1.9, respectively. Average intakes of energy, calcium, iron, zinc, vit B2, and folic acid per day were 1810.2 +/- 344.9 kcal (90.5% of RDA), 621.1 +/- 197.3 mg (88.7% of RDA), 15.9 +/- 4.9 mg (99.3% of RDA), 8.1 +/- 3.4 mg (80.5% of RDA), 1.1 +/- 0.6 mg (88.3% of RDA) and 234.3 +/- 78.6 microgram (93.7% of RDA), respectively. Score of the behavioral symptoms, psychologic symptoms, physical symptoms and other symptoms were recorded 1.79 +/- 0.86, 2.11 +/- 1.08, 2.31 +/- 1.11 and 1.58 +/- 0.86, respectively. The relation between PMS and menstrual cramps was significant. A significant difference was observed for menstruation amount in physical symptoms (p < 0.05) and other score (p < 0.05). The group who drinks alcohol over 30 g per day showed higher scores at total PAF (p < 0.05), psychologic symptoms (p < 0.05), physical symptoms (p < 0.05), and other scores (p < 0.05) than those who don't drink alcohol. Calcium in the blood showed a negative correlation with total PAF score (p < 0.05), behavioral symptoms (p < 0.05), physical symptoms (p < 0.05) and other scores (p < 0.01). Magnesium in the blood showed a negative correlation with physical symptoms (p < 0.05), other score (p < 0.05). WBC was negatively associated with psychologic scores (p < 0.05). Hb and Hct were negatively associated with other scores (p < 0.05). In conclusion, calcium intake showed a level of 88.7% of RDA and this study revealed that there is a correlation between PMS and blood composition in female college students. Therefore, calcium and magnesium supplements can be beneficial to relieve PMS symptoms.

• Keywords: premenstrual syndrome; nutritional intake; blood composition; female college