Low serum zinc and total antioxidant capacity levels in individuals with premenstrual syndrome

Abstract

Aims: The aim of this study was to evaluate serum zinc (Zn) level, total antioxidant capacity (TAC) level, and nutritional status in premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Methods: This cross-sectional, single-center study and case-control study enrolled university students 18 to 28 years old. Serum TAC analysis was performed via the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Serum Zn level was measured using atomic absorption spectrometry. Nutritional status was assessed using the 24-hour dietary recall. Results: The study population consisted of 110 individuals (mean±Sstandart deviation age: 20.3±1.9 years), 48 subjects with PMS, and 62 subjects without PMS. Individuals with PMS had lower serum Zn levels (28.04±31.40 µmol/L vs. 11.67±6.42 µmol/L, respectively), TAC levels (1.60±0.42 mmol/L vs. 1.47±0.10 mmol/L), and higher body mass index (22.30±02.71 kg/m2 vs. 23.73±3.44 kg/m2) than individuals without PMS. Individuals with PMS had lower fiber, polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA), vitamins E, vitamin B1, vitamin B2, vitamin B6, vitamin C, folate, and magnesium, and higher carbohydrate and sodium intake than those without PMS but the differences did not reach statistical significance. Serum TAC level, dietary antioxidant, and PUFA intake level were positively correlated (p<0.05), whereas serum TAC level was negatively correlated with dietary intake of protein, lipid, and carbohydrate intake (p<0.05). Conclusions: This study showed that serum Zn and TAC levels were lower in PMS, and serum TAC levels were correlated with dietary antioxidant intake. © Copyright 2022 by the University of Health Sciences Turkey, Gülhane Faculty of Medicine / Gülhane Medical Journal published by Galenos Publishing House