Department of Nutrition Student Projects

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Submission Date

4-24-2024

Document Type

Undergraduate Project

Degree Name

Bachelor of Science in Human Nutrition (BSHN)

First Mentor

Andrea Charvet, Ph.D., RDN, LDN

Keywords

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS), Athletic performance, Menstrual- related symptoms, Intervention study

Abstract

A multitude of women experience the monthly challenge of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and dysmenorrhea characterized by symptoms such as irritability, depression, anxiety, mood swings, lower abdominal pain, fatigue, and bloating. Commonly treated by the overuse of over-the-counter pain medications which often do not fully alleviate the physical signs and fail to address affective symptoms. Consequently, a notable portion of female athlete’s report being unable to participate in athletic events of any kind during the menstrual phase. Moreover, the chronic use of medications like acetaminophen poses potential risks such as nausea, vomiting, and liver damage. Thus, the proposed study seeks to explore the potential success of magnesium supplementation in alleviating symptoms and enhancing participation in athletic events among female adolescents. To pursue this, a longitudinal study consisting of 300 adolescent athletes ranging in age from 15-18 will be conducted. A baseline questionnaire will be completed by each participant prior to treatment and will explore the effects of PMS symptoms and dysmenorrhea on their athletic participation. Subsequently, participants will be separated into four groups, the first given no magnesium supplementation, the second a small dose, the third a moderate dose, and the final a large dose over a six-month period. Following trial completion, the questionnaire was repeated, and a comparative analysis was conducted on their initial response. The anticipated results should demonstrate a reduction in the severity of symptoms and an increase in the ability of these athletes to participate in both practices and competitive events.

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