Introduction: Premenstrual syndrome is a prevalent disorder affecting a large number of women in their reproductive ages. Nutritional importance of zinc has been known for a long time and studies have shown that zinc can positively affect psychological disorders.
Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of zinc supplementation on quality of life and sleep quality of young women diagnosed with premenstrual syndrome.
Methods: This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was carried out on 60 young university women that were allocated into two groups of intervention who took 30 mg/day of elemental zinc or placebo for three months. Pre- and post-intervention, participants completed the questionnaires of quality of life and Pittsburgh sleep quality.
Results: After supplementation, quality of life score in the intervention group was increased (+ 9.185 ± 7.29, P < 0.001), however, in comparison with the control group, results were not significant; Physical aspects of quality of life score were significantly enhanced (+ 5.55 ± 3.71 vs. + 0.13 ± 2.87, P < 0.001). Sleep quality was marginally improved just in the zinc group (- 1.48 ± 4.12, P = 0.07).
Conclusion: Zinc supplementation for 12 weeks had beneficial effects on physical aspects of quality of life in young women with premenstrual syndrome.
Keywords: Premenstrual syndrome; Quality of life; Sleep; Zinc supplement.