Research: Women's Health

Milk May Spell Relief for PMS

In addition to nutrients needed for growth and health, teens may find relief from Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) in milk. In a new study, researchers evaluated the diets and PMS frequency and symptoms of 171 girls 10 to 17 years old. The researchers found that girls who consumed more milk, cheese and yogurt each day experienced PMS less frequently: they had less severe abdominal bloating and cramps, fewer food cravings for some foods and less of an increase in appetite. [Editor's note: Earlier studies have indicated that calcium may relieve PMS symptoms; one study showed a 50 percent (approximate) reduction in symptoms.]

Derman O, et al. Premenstrual syndrome and associated symptoms in adolescent girls. European Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology. 2004: 116: 201-206.

Dairy Products Not Linked to Ovarian Cancer Risk

While studies looking at what we eat and its effect on ovarian cancer risk have been inconsistent, a recent study compared the diets of 442 women with ovarian cancer to the diets of 2,135 women in the general population. The results showed no association between ovarian cancer risk and intake of dairy products. Women who ate diets high in cholesterol and eggs had a slightly higher risk of ovarian cancer while those who ate the most vegetables had a somewhat reduced risk. [Editor's Note: The 2005 Dietary Guidelines for Americans advise women to get three servings of dairy of day for good health.]

Pan Sy, et al. A case-control study of diet and the risk of ovarian cancer. Cancer Epidemiology Biomarkers & Prevention. 2004; 13(9): 1521-1527.

Another Reason for Women to Wear a Milk Mustache

Researchers at Penn State University suggest that drinking milk may increase the availability of folate contained in other foods. Folate may help prevent heart disease and stroke and is especially important for women of childbearing age to reduce the risk of birth defects. In this study, 31 women ages 19-33 were divided into two groups and consumed low-folate diets for eight weeks. One group drank three servings of fat free milk per day while the other group ate apple juice and egg whites, and researchers analyzed blood samples to determine the impact. Results suggest that consuming at least three servings of milk every day may help boost the body's ability to utilize folate.

Picciano M, et al. Effect of cow's milk on food folate bioavailability in young women. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. 2004; 80:1565-1569.