(ABC) -- The three letters "PMS" are dreaded by some women who suffer from its symptoms. But, now, there’s word a common mineral may bring some relief.
Many women take iron supplements to fight anemia. A study reported in The American Journal of Epidemiology finds that an iron-rich diet can relieve the symptoms of PMS by up to 40 percent.
Researchers started studying the total iron intake – from diet and supplements – of some 3,000 women without PMS.
Over 10 years, a little more than 1,000 of them were diagnosed with PMS, while the others remained PMS free.
Those who took in over 20 milligrams a day of iron from plant-based sources and supplements reduced their risk for PMS.
Scientists think the connection is that iron is needed to produce serotonin – a brain chemical involved in regulated moods.
Experts warn you should talk to your doctors before taking extra iron.
