The United States vitamin market is worth $11 billion, according to the research and marketing firm TABS Group, Inc. There is a multitude of vitamins available, each performing a different function in the body. For menstrual cramps, or dysmenorrhea, taking a daily vitamin has been shown to help relieve pain and discomfort.
Vitamin A, B, C and E
Vitamins A, B, C and E may confer positive effects on menstrual cramps. Vitamin A has been shown to relieve symptoms of premenstrual syndrome, or PMS, and should be taken in a multivitamin, as too much vitamin A alone can be toxic. Vitamin B-complex is good for health; however, vitamin B-6 in particular has been shown to relax the uterine muscles and therefore relieve cramping, according to Susan M. Lark, M.D., director of the PMS and Menopause Self-Help Center in Los Altos, California. Lark recommends taking B-6 in a B-complex vitamin, at no more than 200 mg and 300 mg. However, for doses of B-6 over 100 mg a doctor should be consulted first.
Calcium and Manganese
Calcium, manganese and niacin have also been shown to help ease menstrual cramps. Calcium effects the hormone that causes cramping, and manganese effects blood clotting. Both used together have reduced both cramping and bleeding during the menstrual period. The Grand Forks Human Nutrition Research Center, recommends 2 mg of manganese and between 500 and 1,000 mg of calcium a day.
Other Supplements
Vitamin D, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, pantothenic acid, iron, and zinc each have been associated with reduced menstrual discomfort as well. Because each daily multivitamin contains differing amounts of each vitamin, consult a doctor or nutritionist before beginning regular use. Many vitamins are found in food, so they will determine the additional amounts needed for each particular vitamin based on questions about diet and health history.
Multivitamins
A daily multivitamin, a healthy balanced diet, not smoking and regular exercise have all been shown to significantly reduce the discomfort caused by menstrual cramps. Most menstrual cramps ease with age, and can disappear following child birth. If menstrual cramps are severe, or get worse later in life, experts recommend consulting a doctor. There are certain conditions that worsen menstrual cramps.
