Health · Medical Research · 1 hr ago
Study links ultra-processed food intake with more severe PMS symptoms
A study of 607 women aged 18 to 30 in Turkey examined diet, mindful eating and premenstrual syndrome (PMS) symptoms.
PMS can involve recurring physical and psychological symptoms that appear before menstruation and ease when it begins.
Researchers found that higher ultra-processed food scores were associated with more severe PMS in the participants.
Two mindful-eating traits—non-judgment and non-reactance—were associated with lower symptom scores.
The study was cross-sectional, so it cannot show that eating habits caused the symptoms.
Although 82.9% of participants scored above a commonly used PMS screening threshold, this did not confirm a PMS diagnosis.
The researchers say these mindful-eating traits need further study as possible ways to manage symptoms.
A study of 607 young women in Turkey found that higher ultra-processed food screening scores were associated with more severe premenstrual syndrome symptoms.
Non-judgmental and non-reactive mindful eating were independently associated with lower symptom scores.
The cross-sectional study examined diet, mindful eating and PMS severity in women aged 18 to 30.
The findings show associations and do not establish that ultra-processed foods cause more severe symptoms.
The researchers said mindful eating behaviors warrant further investigation as a possible way to help manage premenstrual symptoms.
- Who
- Researchers at the University of Health Sciences in Ankara studied 607 young women.
- What
- The study found an association between higher ultra-processed food screening scores and more severe PMS symptoms.
- When
- Published on November 10, 2026.
- Where
- The participants were young women in Turkey.
- Why
- The study examined how food processing, diet quality and mindful eating were associated with PMS severity.
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- Participants
- 607 women
- Age range
- 18 to 30 years
- Study location
- Turkey
- Study design
- Cross-sectional investigation
- Publication date
- November 10, 2026