Thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin B6, folate, and vitamin B12 are required to synthesize neurotransmitters that are potentially involved in the pathophysiology of premenstrual syndrome (PMS). A case-control study nested within the Nurses’ Health Study II cohort was conducted to evaluate whether B vitamin intake is associated with the initial development of PMS. Participants were free of PMS at baseline and after 10 years of follow up, 1057 women were confirmed as cases and 1968 were confirmed as controls. Dietary information was collected by using food-frequency questionnaires and intakes of thiamine and riboflavin from food sources were each inversely associated with incident PMS. Women in the highest quintile of riboflavin intake 2–4 years before the diagnosis year had a 35% lower risk of developing PMS than did those in the lowest quintile (P = 0.02). No significant associations between incident PMS and dietary intakes of niacin, vitamin B6, folate, vitamin B12, or vitamin B supplements were observed. The authors concluded that a significantly lower risk of PMS was noted in women with high intakes of thiamine and riboflavin from food sources only. Am J Clin Nutr. 2011 May;93(5):1080-6. PMID: 21346091.
