Vitamin D Level and PMS: Is There a Connection?

Premenstrual Syndrome & Vitamin D? 

Do you struggle with symptoms of PMS? Might be time to check your vitamin D level!

An interesting study just came out in this month’s Journal of the Academy of Nutrition & Dietetics about vitamin D and PMS. The findings suggest that inadequate vitamin D status may be associated with an increase in the severity of some PMS symptoms (although not all of them).

If you struggle with PMS and are looking for a natural solution that may also help boost your overall health, consider getting your vitamin D level checked and addressing your vitamin D status if you find that it’s low. Here is why:

Vitamin D Supports the Body

Vitamin D supports so many important systems in the body, including:

• Bone health

• Immune function

• Neuromuscular function

• Modulation of cell growth

• Reduction of inflammation

Vitamin D and Light Exposure

Vitamin D is produced in the body when the skin is exposed to sunlight. But sometimes sun exposure isn’t enough, especially for those of us who:

• Live in northern climates

• Get little sun exposure

• Wear a lot of sunscreen

• Have darker skin

Vitamin D in Foods

I am always in favor of meeting nutrient needs through FOOD FIRST (not supplements). Vitamin D is naturally present in only a few foods, which include:

• Mushrooms!! (my personal fave)

• Fatty fish (salmon, tuna, mackerel)

• Egg yolks

• Cheese

• Fortified foods like milk, orange juice & ready-to-eat breakfast cereals

The RDA for vitamin D is 600 IU for adults. If you can’t keep your vitamin D levels in a normal range through sun exposure and food sources, talk to a dietitian and see if a supplement makes sense for you…